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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|
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 several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs |
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