methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration for Evaporating Cloud.
Systems Thinking
Evaporating Cloud
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
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 method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage60-120 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung
Participantsdifferent
1-42-83-20 Reviewer
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopAsync
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewConflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next ExperimentsRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
Add more methods

Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model