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 System Dynamics Simulation | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports. | 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. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 15-45 min | 2-6 h | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 1-3 | 1-6 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



