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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. | 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. | 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 | High | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 h | 1-2 Tage | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-10 | 1-4 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |