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Criterion
Paper illustration of a branching category tree with a highlighted search path and possible dead ends.
UX Research
Tree Testing
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Purposedifferent
When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination.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.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.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
MediumMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung15-45 min1-2 Tage
Participantsdifferent
Based on research question3-20 Reviewer1-31-4
Formatdifferent
AsyncAsyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IARFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View
Tagsno overlap
Information architectureNavigationFindability
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
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