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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
A hypothetical failure makes concrete risks, signals, and fitting mitigations visible.
Decision Making
Pre-Mortem
Paper illustration for Communication Plan
Delivery
Communication Plan
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.In early initiatives with many uncertainties, planning quickly turns too optimistic. A pre-mortem makes the expected failure visible in advance and sharpens the view of causes, gaps, and countermeasures.When many people need to be informed in parallel and messages would otherwise arrive unevenly or too late, a Communication Plan orders communication reliably. Channels, audiences, and cadences interlock so important information doesn't get lost.
Complexitysame
LowLowLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage1-4 h20–45 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
1-41-5Small cross-functional group2-6
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewContext Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramRisk list, Mitigation plan, Assumption logCommunication Plan, Channel Matrix, Message Cadence
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
RiskDecisionFailurePlanning
CommunicationStakeholdersDeliveryPlanning
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