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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing Context Canvas with its core stages and visible working result.
Product Discovery
Context Canvas
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Purposedifferent
When an environment of users, systems, and constraints is hard to grasp, it puts the context compactly on the table. It creates a clear reading of influence, boundary, and dependency.For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.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.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
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
45-90 min45-90 min1-2 Tage15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-102-51-41-3
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Context canvas, Open questions, Shared context notesA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
ContextFramingRequirementsCanvas
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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