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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture Request for Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 15-45 min | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 3-20 Reviewer |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance |
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