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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of an eight-panel idea sheet with varied sketches beside a timer set to eight minutes.
Innovation
Crazy 8s
Software Architecture Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Software Architecture Canvas
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
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.With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development.The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly.When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.
Complexitysame
LowLowLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage8-15 min1-2 h30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
1-41-103-104-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewSketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction OptionsArchitecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality AttributesIdea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint
CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
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