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| Criterion |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Architecture arc42 |  Decision Making PERT Estimation |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | On complex initiatives, a plain average tends to understate just how uncertain the outcome really is. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a PERT Estimate, Expected Value, and Risk Notes. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-45 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 1-4 | 1-8 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | PERT Estimate, Expected Value, Risk Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationEffortRisk | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | EstimationUncertaintyRisk | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |