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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Low |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 h | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 1-3 | 3-8 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



