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| Criterion |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Agile NoEstimates |  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. | When estimating slows a team down more than it helps, it shifts the focus to flow, small slices, and real lead time. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as Throughput Data, Flow Forecast, and Slicing Rules. | 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 | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 15-45 min | laufend | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 1-3 | 2-12 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Throughput Data, Flow Forecast, Slicing Rules | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationEffortRisk | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | EstimationForecastingFlow | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |