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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation Lean Startup | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Innovation Design Thinking | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | 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. | For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service. | 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 | High | Low |
Timedifferent | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 15-45 min | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-3 | 4-10 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | LeanStartupValidationMVP | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | InnovationPrototypeResearch | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



