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| Criterion |  Innovation Double Diamond |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Delivery Communication Plan |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For complex problems with a fuzzy situation, the method cleanly separates search space and decision. It first creates breadth in understanding and then focus in elaboration. This brings open questions, problem definition, and solution path into a traceable movement. | 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. | When many people need to be informed in parallel and messages would otherwise arrive unevenly or too late, a Communication Plan orders communication reliably. Channels, audiences, and cadences interlock so important information doesn't get lost. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | Wochen bis Monate | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-6 | 1-5 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Communication Plan, Channel Matrix, Message Cadence | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessDivergenceInnovation | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | CommunicationStakeholdersDeliveryPlanning | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |