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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Four paper stations connect system purpose, quality goals, risk cards and focused investigation with a target and gap profile.
Architecture
LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
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.LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail.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.For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional15-45 min2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
1-41 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people1-33-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewLean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checksADR File, Decision Log, RationaleFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
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