View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Risk Matrix |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch. | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. | When a project faces many possible disruptions, it quickly becomes unclear which risks deserve attention first. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Risk Matrix and a Top Risk List. | 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 | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 1-4 h | 30-60 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1-5 | 3-10 | 1-4 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Risk Matrix, Top Risk List | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | RiskDecisionPrioritizationAssessment | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |