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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Business Strategy Ansoff Matrix |  Business Strategy McKinsey 7S |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | The Ansoff Matrix organizes growth options by market and product relation. It helps weigh expansion, diversification, and adaptation cleanly against each other. | McKinsey 7S checks whether Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Skills, Style, and Staff fit together. Organizational misalignments become visible across multiple levers as a result. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 45-90 min | 2-4 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 2-8 | 3-12 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Ansoff Matrix, Growth Options, Risk Notes | 7S Assessment, Alignment Gaps, Change Actions | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | GrowthStrategyMarketPortfolio | OrganizationStrategyAlignmentChange | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |