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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Product Strategy Counter Metrics |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30-60 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 2-6 | 1-4 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Counter Metric List, Guardrail Definitions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | MetricsMeasurementStrategyExperiments | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |
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