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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Agile Bucket System |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Agile Affinity Estimation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a large batch of work needs a fast, rough estimate, it sorts items into predefined size buckets. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as a Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, and Split Candidates. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | When many tasks need to be classified quickly, it sorts them by perceived effort and similarity. It reduces the effort of fine-grained estimation for large volumes. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30-90 min | 15-45 min | 30-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-12 | 1-3 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, Split Candidates | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Affinity Size Map, Grouped Estimates, Unclear Items |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing |