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| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling PARA Method | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() Knowledge Modeling IBIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The PARA Method organizes knowledge into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. It creates order when digital notes, files, and tasks no longer cleanly fit current work. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h Setup, laufend | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PARA Structure, Project Notes, Knowledge Archive | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes |
Tagsno overlap | KnowledgeProductivityOrganization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | RationaleKnowledgeDecision |



