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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 for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration for CATWOE Analysis.
Systems Thinking
CATWOE Analysis
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.Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action.CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-4 h0.5-3 Tage45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
1-55-153-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaCATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Rich Picture workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Rich Picture
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)