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| Criterion |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Architecture C4 Model |  Operations Scatter Diagram |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. | 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 the question is whether two measures are related, the method makes patterns in the data picture visible. It separates felt correlations from relationships that actually show up in the data. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 1-4 h | 30-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 1-5 | 1-4 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Scatter Plot, Korrelationsnotiz, Hypothesenliste | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationEffortRisk | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Root causeQualityVisualization | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |