View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:C4 ModelLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Rich PictureATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 30-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 2-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | 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 | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |