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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration for Option Framing.
Decision Making
Option Framing
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
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.In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question.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.The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage45-120 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung60-120 min
Participantsdifferent
1-43-83-20 Reviewer2-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewOption Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision InputsRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsCommunication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas
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