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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Architecture C4 Model |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | 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. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-4 h | 30–60 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-5 | 4-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |