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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. | 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. | In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 15-45 min | 90-180 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-3 | 4-12 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |