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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination. | 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 | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | 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 | Information architectureNavigationFindability | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |
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