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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Product Strategy ICE Scoring | ![]() Decision Making Decision Matrix | ![]() Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 ideas need sorting quickly, it condenses impact, confidence, and effort into one compact score. It connects customer value, product logic, and decision priorities. The result is captured as an ICE table and top-ideas list. | When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30-60 min | 45-90 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ICE Table, Top Idea List | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | PrioritizationScoringGrowthDecision | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |



