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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Knowledge Modeling IBIS | ![]() Architecture Views and Beyond | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | Views and Beyond organizes architecture into several views so no single diagram has to do everything at once. This makes it possible to choose the representation that fits the stakeholder's question. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-3 h | 1-3 Tage | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-8 | 1-4 | 1-4 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Architecture Views, Cross-view Notes, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | DocumentationStakeholdersArchitecture | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



