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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | 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. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30-120 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 2-6 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | 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 | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | LeanObservationProcessOperations | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |