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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration for Reverse Brainstorming
Innovation
Reverse Brainstorming
Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Purposedifferent
arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.For persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer.When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem.
Complexitysame
LowLowLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage15-45 min30-60 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
1-41-33-123-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewADR File, Decision Log, RationaleReverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution IdeasLotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop
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