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| Criterion |  Architecture arc42 |  Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 2-6 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 1-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |