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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Risk Matrix |  Product Strategy RICE Scoring |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | When many initiatives compete for the same resources, it brings reach, impact, confidence, and effort into one shared ranking. It makes prioritization economically connectable. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 30-60 min | 60-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-10 | 2-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Risk Matrix, Top Risk List | RICE Scores, Ranked List, Assumption Log | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | RiskDecisionPrioritizationAssessment | PrioritizationScoringRoadmapTradeoffs | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |