Capturing Agile Architecture Decisions with ADRs Effectively
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Chapter 1: Understanding Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)
Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) serve as a straightforward method for documenting the rationale behind architectural choices. They encompass the business context, problem statement, evaluated alternatives—including advantages and disadvantages—the final decision, and its implications.
Previously, I viewed ADRs as an obligatory task to complete post-decision approval. This retrospective approach often led me to overlook critical details regarding our decision-making process. Recently, I have shifted to integrating ADRs from the very beginning, enabling me to document the decision-making journey as it unfolds.
Section 1.1: My Workflow for Effective ADRs
My ADR workflow can be summarized as follows:
- Initial Meeting: This is where I gather insights into the problem and the business context from stakeholders. Including a diagram in the ADR aids in setting the context for future discussions.
- Solution Options Workshop: I conduct a brainstorming session with subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify at least three potential solutions. Each option is accompanied by a simple diagram, along with its pros, cons, effort estimates, and associated risks.
- Post-workshop Updates: After the workshop, I refine the diagrams and conduct additional research for each option, such as estimating costs, understanding licensing terms, identifying technical constraints, and noting key feature dates.
- Solution Options Playback: In this step, I present the options and recommendations back to the stakeholders before diving into practical experiments (spikes). The goal is to reach a consensus on the preferred solution, while also discussing necessary spikes to mitigate any identified risks.
A summary table is helpful when solution options contain extensive details. This is manageable if I’ve captured adequate supporting information. Given Markdown's limitations for extensive tables, I prefer using HTML tables for easier editing.
- Technical Spikes/Proof of Concept (POC): The aim of spikes and POCs is to validate that the proposed solutions align with our documented expectations. Once completed, I compile the technical insights under the considered options.
- Final Playback/Approval: In the concluding phase, I present a summary of the technical findings and the ADR to stakeholders for their endorsement.
Section 1.2: The Benefits of Early ADRs
By implementing ADRs from the outset, I effectively chronicle the decision-making process, akin to maintaining a journal. The section detailing considered options eliminates the necessity for extensive options papers, reducing documentation workload while ensuring that the rationale behind decisions is preserved.
I hope you find these insights valuable in your own architectural journey.
Chapter 2: Practical Application of ADRs
The first video titled "Lesson 157 - Incorporating ADRs Into Existing Systems" discusses how to effectively integrate ADRs into your existing frameworks, providing practical strategies and insights.
The second video "Architecture Decision Records Workshop, with Michael Keeling" offers a hands-on workshop experience, guiding viewers through the nuances of working with ADRs in a collaborative environment.