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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Purposedifferent
Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly.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.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h15-45 min1-2 Tage1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-81-31-41-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale
Tagsno overlap
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
SensemakingDecisionRationale
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