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| Criterion |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture C4 Model |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-4 h | 30-90 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-5 | 2-10 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |