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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Innovation Reverse Brainstorming |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer. | 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. | When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30-60 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-12 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Reverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution 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 | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop |