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| Criterion |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Option Framing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-4 h | 15-45 min | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-5 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Option Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision Inputs |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisOptions | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison |