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Selected:C4 ModelEmpathy MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Affinity Diagramming
| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30–60 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 4-8 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |