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| Criterion |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making DACI |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. | 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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 15-45 min | 30-60 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 1-3 | 2-10 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationEffortRisk | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |