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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Decision Making Delphi Method | ![]() Architecture Request for Comments | ![]() Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-4 Wochen | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 6-30 Experten | 3-20 Reviewer | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |



