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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture arc42 |  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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 h | 1-2 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-8 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tags1 shared | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |