View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Innovation Double Diamond |  Architecture arc42 |  Product Discovery Smoke Test |  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. | When demand only needs to be roughly verified, it tests interest with minimal effort. It measures whether people would take a next step at all. | 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 | 1-5 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-4 | Nutzertraffic | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Interest Metrics, Conversion Signal, Learning Note | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessDivergenceInnovation | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ValidationExperimentsDemandGrowth | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |