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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |