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| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Architecture arc42 |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | 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. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 Tage | 1-2 h | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-4 | 4-12 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |