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| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Product Strategy SMART Goals |  Architecture Architecture Inception 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. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. | When goals are formulated too generally, it brings measurability, direction, and timing into shape. It prevents intentions from staying without clear verification. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 15-30 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-10 | 1-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | SMART Goal, Measurement Note, Deadline | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | GoalsPlanningMeasurementAlignment | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |