Architectural Decision Records

A base repository for Architetcural Decision Recording guidance

Statement

In the context of [use case/user story u], facing [concern c] we decided for [option o] to achieve [quality q], accepting [downside d] .

or

In the context of [use case/user story u], facing [concern c] we decided for [option o] and neglected [other options], to achieve [system qualities/desired consequences], accepting [downside d/undesired consequences], because [additional rationale] .

Guideline

Don’t document every tiny development decision - but concentrate on the following:

  • critical or important for the system
  • influencing important quality attributes
  • unconventional (“off the beaten track”)
  • risky
  • with expensive consequences
  • with long-lasting effects
  • affecting either
  • a large number of stakeholders
  • very special or important stakeholders
  • that took a long time or much effort to decide
  • astonishing

References