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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  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. | 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. | 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 | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-4 Wochen | 90-180 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 6-30 Experten | 4-12 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |