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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Paper illustration of Shape Up with its method-specific working model.
Delivery
Shape Up
Software Architecture Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Software Architecture Canvas
Paper illustration for Communication Plan
Delivery
Communication Plan
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 Up helps clarify scope, sequence, and delivery flow. It makes work boundaries and decisions explicit and captures results as pitches, bet-table decisions, and hill charts.The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly.When many people need to be informed in parallel and messages would otherwise arrive unevenly or too late, a Communication Plan orders communication reliably. Channels, audiences, and cadences interlock so important information doesn't get lost.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-4 h6 Wochen Cycle + 2 Wochen Cool-Down1-2 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
1-52-4 pro Pitch3-102-6
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramPitches, Bet-table decisions, Hill charts, Cooldown outcomesArchitecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality AttributesCommunication Plan, Channel Matrix, Message Cadence
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
PlanningDeliveryAutonomy
CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop
CommunicationStakeholdersDeliveryPlanning
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