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Criterion
Process Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Operations
Process Mapping
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Purposedifferent
With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung1-2 Tage15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-103-20 Reviewer1-41-3
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement BacklogRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
ProcessOperationsImprovement
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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