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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Systems Thinking Polarity 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. | Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30-90 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 2-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership |
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