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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|
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 lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 h | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-8 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |
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