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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | 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. | 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. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |



