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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-4 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-5 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |
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