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| Criterion | ![]() Business Strategy GAP Analysis | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Delivery Communication Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-4 h | 15-45 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-5 | 1-3 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Communication Plan, Channel Matrix, Message Cadence |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | CommunicationStakeholdersDeliveryPlanning |



