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| Criterion |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture C4 Model |  Facilitation Open Space Technology |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. | When a complex topic does not yet have a fitting agenda, Open Space Technology hands topic ownership back to the participants. The format suits questions that only move forward when real interest determines the order. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 1-4 h | 0.5-2 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 1-5 | 20-500+ | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Session Marketplace, Proceedings, Action Topics | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | FacilitationLarge groupAutonomy | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |