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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Pre-Mortem |
|---|---|---|---|
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 early initiatives with many uncertainties, planning quickly turns too optimistic. A pre-mortem makes the expected failure visible in advance and sharpens the view of causes, gaps, and countermeasures. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 15-45 min | 20–45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-3 | Small cross-functional group |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Risk list, Mitigation plan, Assumption log |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | RiskDecisionFailurePlanning |
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