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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  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. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30–60 min | 1-2 h | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 4-8 | 3-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |