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Criterion
Value Stream Mapping workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Delivery
Value Stream Mapping
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Purposedifferent
When delivery work dissolves into wait times, handoffs, and hidden effort, Value Stream Mapping makes the actual flow visible. The method exposes bottlenecks, idle time, and feedback loops so lead time and improvement levers become tangible.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 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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-2 Tage1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung
Participantsdifferent
4-101-43-20 Reviewer
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck listArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets
Tagsno overlap
LeanFlowWasteDelivery
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Paper illustration for Communication Plan
Delivery
Communication Plan