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| Criterion | ![]() Product Discovery Working Backwards | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When the target state and benefit need to be clear first, it thinks backward from the desired outcome into the product logic. It sharpens vision, objections, and value proposition before elaboration. | 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. | 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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 4-8 h, mehrere Iterationen | 15-45 min | 1-4 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1-3 | 1-5 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Future Press Release, FAQ, Vision Statement | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | VisionNarrativeAlignment | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |



