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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Innovation Morphological Analysis |  Architecture C4 Model |  Innovation SCAMPER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For a search for solutions with many degrees of freedom, a grid emerges for systematic combinations. The method separates features, variants, and exclusion criteria, so the space gets explored deliberately. | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. | For an existing solution under pressure to change, the method deliberately opens space for systematic variants. It directs attention to rebuilding, combining, and repurposing rather than only new basic ideas. This produces concrete evolution paths for products, offerings, or workflows. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 1-4 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 1-5 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Morphological Box, Concept Combinations, Idea Shortlist | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | SCAMPER Idea List, Concept Shortlist, Variation Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | IdeationInnovationCreativity | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityReframingInnovation |