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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture arc42 |  Innovation Crazy 8s |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 Tage | 8-15 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-4 | 1-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Sketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction Options |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint |
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