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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | 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. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 1-4 h | 15-45 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 1-5 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |