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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Decision Making DACI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 90-180 min | 1-2 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment |