Architectural Decision-making Process

Recommended process for making architectural decisions

Effective architectural decision-making involves a systematic approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for government software systems

• Identify Stakeholders: Engage key stakeholders, including government officials, project managers, architects, developers, and end-users. Understand their requirements, concerns, and expectations.
• Requirements Analysis: Gather and document functional and non-functional requirements. Analyze the specific needs of the system, considering scalability, security, performance, and integration requirements.
• Explore Alternatives: Research and evaluate various architectural options that align with the identified requirements. Compare the pros and cons of each alternative, considering factors like cost, complexity, and long-term sustainability.
• Risk Assessment: Assess potential risks associated with each architectural choice. Consider security vulnerabilities, scalability challenges, and potential impacts on system performance.
• Decision Documentation: Document the selected architectural decision, including the rationale behind it, the stakeholders involved, the evaluated alternatives, and the risk assessment. This documentation serves as a reference point for future discussions and modifications.
  

Guidance on conducting architectural reviews and approvals

• Peer Reviews: Conduct regular peer reviews of architectural designs to gather input from other experienced architects. This helps identify potential blind spots and receive constructive feedback.
• Stakeholder Reviews: Share architectural decisions with stakeholders for their input and approval. Ensure alignment with their expectations and requirements.
• Architectural Review Boards: Establish a review board composed of senior architects and relevant stakeholders to ensure consistency and adherence to architectural guidelines. This board can review and approve critical architectural decisions.
• Documentation: Maintain a clear record of all architectural reviews, approvals, and changes. This documentation fosters transparency and accountability throughout the development lifecycle.

Adhering to a structured decision-making process and involving key stakeholders ensures that architectural choices are well-informed, aligned with government objectives, and capable of addressing complex challenges.