Task: Document Architectural Decisions |
Make and document architectural decisions.
Disciplines: Architecture
Purpose
The purpose of this task is to: Ensure that there is a single, authoritative source for communicating key decisions made about the architecture Record the rationale and reasoning behind each decision Maintain the overall architectural integrity of the solution by ensuring that all decisions are consistent with each other Ensure that the same issues are not addressed more than once because the resolution was "forgotten".
Relationships
Roles | Primary Performer: Architect | Additional Performers:
Inputs | Mandatory: None | Optional: [Technical Architecture] Architectural Decisions Component Model [Technical Specification] Actor Glossary Storyboard System-Wide Requirements Use Case Use-Case Model Vision
Outputs | Architectural Decisions
Main Description
In this task, you state each architectural issue or problem, consider alternatives, make and document decisions, and provide rationale for each decision. See Guideline: Documenting Architectural Decisions for more information.
Steps
State issue or problem
Clearly state the problem or issue. Obtain agreement from the appropriate stakeholders on your statement of the problem.
Consider alternatives
Build a list of alternative solutions to the problem or issue.
Make decision and provide rationale
Select the best option from the alternatives. For decisions with far-reaching implications, review it with key stakeholders before finalizing it. Clearly state the rationale for making the decision.
Document decision
Document the decision in the Architectural Decisions.
More Information
Guidelines | Documenting Architectural Decisions
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