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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
ChatOps workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
DevOps
ChatOps
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
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.For operational work in a distributed team, the method links communication with direct system control. It records decisions right where the signal, the context, and the execution come together.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-2 TageOngoing1-4 h
Participantsdifferent
1-42-201-5
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewChat Transcript, Action Log, AutomationsContext Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
CollaborationEngineeringIncident
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
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Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Design sheets and interface cards connect to jointly written pseudocode with highlighted unresolved questions.
Architecture
ARID (Active Reviews for Intermediate Designs)
Views and Beyond method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Views and Beyond