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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Risk Storming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 60-90 min | 30–60 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 4-12 | 4-8 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |