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| Criterion | ![]() Business Strategy GAP Analysis | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Decision Making Force Field Analysis | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | 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 change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. | 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 | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 45-90 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-3 | 3-12 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ChangeDecisionStrategy | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



