View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling IBIS | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | 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. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. | 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 | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 60-120 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-3 | 2-8 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



