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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Architecture arc42 |  Operations Accountability Ladder |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | With defensive reactions to problems, the method shifts the view from justification to ownership. It makes visible which reaction stage a person or team is currently stuck on. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-2 Tage | 20-45 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-4 | 1-8 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Ownership Reflection, Action Commitment, Coaching Notes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ResponsibilityLeadershipTeam | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |