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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Innovation Worst Possible Idea |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Innovation Brainstorming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a seemingly familiar problem with paralyzing seriousness, the method dissolves pressure and fear of judgment. It deliberately makes failure pictures extreme, so hidden assumptions become visible faster. This clarifies what a workable path should avoid. | 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 a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 20-45 min | 15-45 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-12 | 1-3 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Bad Idea List, Reframed Concepts, Idea Shortlist | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | IdeationCreativityDivergence | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence |