Which term refers to the process of developing and communicating the architecture of a system through a comprehensive set of characteristics?

The process of developing and communicating the architecture of a system through a comprehensive set of characteristics is best described by the term "Architecture Framework." An architecture framework is a structured approach that provides a comprehensive way to describe the system architecture, encompassing various viewpoints and concerns including the physical, technical, and operational characteristics of the system.

A design, while integral to the overall system development, focuses more on the specifics of how the components of the system will function together rather than on the broader architecture. System modeling involves creating representations of a system to visualize and analyze its components and their relationships, which is a subset of what architecture frameworks provide. Implementation strategy deals with the methods and plans for putting the system into operation, but doesn't encompass the detailed characteristics and communication of the architecture itself.

Therefore, the correct understanding of the term in question aligns with the comprehensive scope offered by an architecture framework.