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| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Teach-back | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Feynman Technique | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Teach-back checks whether an explanation actually got through to the other person. The method makes misunderstandings visible early and strengthens shared understanding in advisory and learning situations. | The Feynman Technique checks understanding by explaining a topic so that it stays easy for others to understand. It makes knowledge gaps visible before they become costly in everyday work. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | 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 | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 20-60 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Understanding Check, Clarification Notes, Learning Gaps | Plain-language Explanation, Knowledge Gaps, Study Notes | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | LearningUnderstandingCommunication | LearningKnowledgeUnderstanding | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |



