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Criterion
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Paper illustration for Change Analysis.
Operations
Change Analysis
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Purposedifferent
Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins.For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise.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
MediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h45-120 min1-4 h
Participantsdifferent
3-122-61-5
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsChange Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action ListContext Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree