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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Business Strategy VRIO Framework | ![]() Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas | ![]() Business Strategy Value Chain 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. | The VRIO Framework rates resources and capabilities on whether they are Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Organized. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a VRIO table and strategic actions. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. | Value Chain Analysis shows where value is created, costs accrue, and differentiation becomes possible along the process. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a value-chain map and lever list. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 90-180 min | 60-120 min | Half day |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-6 | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | VRIO Table, Strategic Actions | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan | Value Chain Map, Lever List |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | StrategyDiagnosisBusiness modelCapability | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas | StrategyBusiness modelDiagnosisAnalysis |



