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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. | 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. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-4 h | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 1-5 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |