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Selected:C4 ModelSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)3-Circle Venn DiagramStakeholder Mapping
| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Facilitation 3-Circle Venn Diagram |  Facilitation Stakeholder 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. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | When three perspectives matter at the same time, a Three-Circle Venn Diagram shows the overlaps and remainders precisely. It makes visible where shared effect arises and where only a partial perspective applies. | When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-45 min | 60–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Venn Diagram, Overlap Notes, Differentiators | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ComparisonFacilitationAlignment | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange |