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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  Architecture Request for Comments |  Decision Making DACI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-4 Wochen | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 6-30 Experten | 3-20 Reviewer | 2-10 |
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 | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment |