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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Delivery Value Stream Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  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. | When delivery work dissolves into wait times, handoffs, and hidden effort, Value Stream Mapping makes the actual flow visible. The method exposes bottlenecks, idle time, and feedback loops so lead time and improvement levers become tangible. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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 | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 4-10 | 1-3 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Current-state map, Future-state map, Bottleneck list | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Communication Plan, Channel Matrix, Message Cadence |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | LeanFlowWasteDelivery | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | CommunicationStakeholdersDeliveryPlanning |