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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyRich PictureLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)C4 Model
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 30-90 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 2-10 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | 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 |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |