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| Criterion |  Innovation Morphological Analysis |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture C4 Model |  Innovation Brainstorming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a search for solutions with many degrees of freedom, a grid emerges for systematic combinations. The method separates features, variants, and exclusion criteria, so the space gets explored deliberately. | 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. | 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. | When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 1-4 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-3 | 1-5 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Morphological Box, Concept Combinations, Idea Shortlist | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | IdeationInnovationCreativity | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence |