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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture Views and Beyond |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Views and Beyond organizes architecture into several views so no single diagram has to do everything at once. This makes it possible to choose the representation that fits the stakeholder's question. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 Tage | 1-4 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-4 | 1-5 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Architecture Views, Cross-view Notes, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | DocumentationStakeholdersArchitecture | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |