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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  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. | For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch. | 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 | 30-90 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 6-30 Experten | 1-6 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | DecisionTreeOptions | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |