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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture Views and Beyond |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | Views and Beyond organizes architecture into several views so no single diagram has to do everything at once. This makes it possible to choose the representation that fits the stakeholder's question. | 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 | High | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Architecture Views, Cross-view Notes, Rationale | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | DocumentationStakeholdersArchitecture | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |