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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When knowledge is distributed and direct dominance should be avoided, groups quickly fall under the sway of their opinion leaders. The Delphi Method gathers assessments iteratively and gradually brings expert judgments closer together. | 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. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-4 Wochen | 15-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 6-30 Experten | 1-3 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SensemakingDecisionRationale |