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| Criterion |  Architecture arc42 |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Architecture C4 Model |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. | 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. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 30-90 min | 1-4 h | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 2-10 | 1-5 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |