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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Software Architecture 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 Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. | 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 | 3-10 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |