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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture arc42 |  Innovation Morphological Analysis |  Innovation SCAMPER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a search for solutions with many degrees of freedom, a grid emerges for systematic combinations. The method separates features, variants, and exclusion criteria, so the space gets explored deliberately. | For an existing solution under pressure to change, the method deliberately opens space for systematic variants. It directs attention to rebuilding, combining, and repurposing rather than only new basic ideas. This produces concrete evolution paths for products, offerings, or workflows. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-4 | 2-8 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Morphological Box, Concept Combinations, Idea Shortlist | SCAMPER Idea List, Concept Shortlist, Variation Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | IdeationInnovationCreativity | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityReframingInnovation |