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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Risk Storming |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-4 h | 60-90 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-5 | 4-12 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |