View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:GAP AnalysisSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Communication PlanArchitecture Communication Canvas
| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Delivery Communication Plan |  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. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | 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 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 | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Communication Plan, Channel Matrix, Message Cadence | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | CommunicationStakeholdersDeliveryPlanning | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |