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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Rich Picture workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Rich Picture
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
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.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.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-4 h30-90 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-52-101-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramRich Picture, Problem Framing NotesArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization
SensemakingDecisionRationale
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
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