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Selected:C4 ModelCard SortingFailure Mode and Effects AnalysisATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 20-45 min | 2-6 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | Based on research question | 3-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Information architectureNavigationStructure | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |