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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of two user profile cards with a goal, behavior evidence, and an open research question.
UX Research
Personas
Paper illustration for DACI
Decision Making
DACI
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
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.When target groups stay too vague and teams talk about the same people differently, personas create a shared, solid picture of usage. Condensed profiles make needs, contexts, and differences tangible enough for decisions.In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage1-3 Tage30-60 min15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
1-4Internes Team2-101-3
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewPersona Profiles, Needs Summary, Scenario NotesDACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision LogADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ResearchCustomerSynthesis
DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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