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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Product Strategy Impact Mapping |  Product Strategy SMART Goals |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures. | When goals are formulated too generally, it brings measurability, direction, and timing into shape. It prevents intentions from staying without clear verification. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 45-90 min | 15-30 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-8 | 1-8 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options | SMART Goal, Measurement Note, Deadline | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning | GoalsPlanningMeasurementAlignment | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |