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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Architecture arc42 |  Product Strategy Lean 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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | 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. | When an early product bet still has too many open points, it brings target group, problem, and assumptions into a single view. It condenses the idea so core risks become nameable. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 1-2 Tage | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 2-8 | 1-4 | 1-6 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Lean Canvas, Core Assumptions, Experiment Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | LeanStartupValidationMVP | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | StartupLeanAssumptionsBusiness model |