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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Futures Wheel |  Architecture arc42 |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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 | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 1-2 Tage | 10-20 min daily | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-4 | 1 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |