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Criterion
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of an eight-panel idea sheet with varied sketches beside a timer set to eight minutes.
Innovation
Crazy 8s
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
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.With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development.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
MediumLowLowLow
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung8-15 min1-2 Tage15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-20 Reviewer1-101-41-3
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsSketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction OptionsArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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