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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Architecture Views and Beyond |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Views and Beyond organizes architecture into several views so no single diagram has to do everything at once. This makes it possible to choose the representation that fits the stakeholder's question. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 Tage | 1-4 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 1-4 | 1-5 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Architecture Views, Cross-view Notes, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | DocumentationStakeholdersArchitecture | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |