View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tags1 shared | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
