View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Architecture arc42 |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. | 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. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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 | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 1-2 Tage | 0.5-3 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 1-4 | 5-15 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |