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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture arc42 |  Business Strategy VRIO Framework |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | The VRIO Framework rates resources and capabilities on whether they are Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Organized. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a VRIO table and strategic actions. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 Tage | 90-180 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-4 | 3-6 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | VRIO Table, Strategic Actions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | StrategyDiagnosisBusiness modelCapability | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |