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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of a calibrated five-by-five risk matrix with response cards.
Decision Making
Risk Matrix
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.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.When a project faces many possible disruptions, it quickly becomes unclear which risks deserve attention first. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Risk Matrix and a Top Risk List.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-4 h1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
1-53-20 Reviewer3-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsRisk Matrix, Top Risk List
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
RiskDecisionPrioritizationAssessment
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Four paper stations connect system purpose, quality goals, risk cards and focused investigation with a target and gap profile.
Architecture
LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record