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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Product Strategy Counter Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | When a headline metric could mask side effects, it adds guardrail signals against unwanted outcomes. It connects customer value, product logic, and decision priorities. The result is captured as a counter-metric list and guardrail definitions. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Counter Metric List, Guardrail Definitions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | MetricsMeasurementStrategyExperiments |
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
