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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  Facilitation Alignment 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. | In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 90-180 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 4-12 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |
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