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Criterion
Paper illustration for TOWS Matrix.
Business Strategy
TOWS Matrix
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
Purposedifferent
The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking.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.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h1-2 Tage1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
3-101-44-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority ActionsArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisOptions
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Paper illustration of Power-Interest Grid with a method-specific labelled workspace.
Facilitation
Power Interest Grid
Stakeholder Mapping
Facilitation
Stakeholder Mapping
Paper illustration of Stakeholder Salience Model with its method-specific working model.
Facilitation
Stakeholder Salience Model