View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Option Framing |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 1-4 h | 45-120 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 1-5 | 3-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Option Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision Inputs | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison | StrategyAnalysisOptions |