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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of several people silently writing ideas and passing sheets around with arrows.
Innovation
Brainwriting
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.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.When loud voices or hierarchy distort the idea search, the method creates a quiet entry into joint development. It gives everyone thinking space and gathers contributions without social brakes, making diversity more visible and easier to build on.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung15-30 min
Participantsdifferent
1-43-20 Reviewer3-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsIdea sheets, Expanded concepts, Prioritized list
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
BrainstormingCollaborationInclusionIdeas
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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
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model