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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Knowledge Modeling Shape-First Modeling |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  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. | Shape-First Modeling defines data quality through shapes before implementation or integration frays at the edges. The approach fits when validation and data contracts should be part of the design from the start. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | Halber Tag pro Domain Slice | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-4 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 1-4 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | SHACL or ShEx Shapes, Validation Reports, Data Contracts, Shape Documentation | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Knowledge graphValidationSemantic | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |