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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling Shape-First Modeling |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Shape-First Modeling defines data quality through shapes before implementation or integration frays at the edges. The approach fits when validation and data contracts should be part of the design from the start. | 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. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. | 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 | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | Halber Tag pro Domain Slice | 1-4 h | 60-120 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 1-5 | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | SHACL or ShEx Shapes, Validation Reports, Data Contracts, Shape Documentation | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Knowledge graphValidationSemantic | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |