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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument 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.When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-4 h30–60 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-54-81-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramEmpathy Map, Assumptions List, Research GapsArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
SensemakingDecisionRationale
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record