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| Criterion |  Innovation Double Diamond |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For complex problems with a fuzzy situation, the method cleanly separates search space and decision. It first creates breadth in understanding and then focus in elaboration. This brings open questions, problem definition, and solution path into a traceable movement. | 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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | 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 | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | Wochen bis Monate | 1-2 Tage | 1-2 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-4 | 3-8 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessDivergenceInnovation | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |