methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration of an eight-panel idea sheet with varied sketches beside a timer set to eight minutes.
Innovation
Crazy 8s
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Purposedifferent
With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development.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.
Complexitysame
LowLowLow
Timedifferent
8-15 min1-4 h15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
1-101-51-3
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Sketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction OptionsContext Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
Add more methods

Often compared together

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

Paper illustration of Rapid Ideation with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Rapid Ideation
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming