Skills Development Architectural Decision Making Framework

Architectural Decision Making Framework

v20260424
architecture
This framework provides a comprehensive, structured approach for making critical architectural decisions. It guides users through requirements analysis, detailed trade-off evaluation, and documenting decisions using Architecture Decision Records (ADRs). It is essential when analyzing or designing complex system architectures to ensure simplicity, robustness, and maintainability.
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Overview

Architecture Decision Framework

"Requirements drive architecture. Trade-offs inform decisions. ADRs capture rationale."

🎯 Selective Reading Rule

Read ONLY files relevant to the request! Check the content map, find what you need.

File Description When to Read
context-discovery.md Questions to ask, project classification Starting architecture design
trade-off-analysis.md ADR templates, trade-off framework Documenting decisions
pattern-selection.md Decision trees, anti-patterns Choosing patterns
examples.md MVP, SaaS, Enterprise examples Reference implementations
patterns-reference.md Quick lookup for patterns Pattern comparison

🔗 Related Skills

Skill Use For
@[skills/database-design] Database schema design
@[skills/api-patterns] API design patterns
@[skills/deployment-procedures] Deployment architecture

Core Principle

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

  • Start simple
  • Add complexity ONLY when proven necessary
  • You can always add patterns later
  • Removing complexity is MUCH harder than adding it

Validation Checklist

Before finalizing architecture:

  • Requirements clearly understood
  • Constraints identified
  • Each decision has trade-off analysis
  • Simpler alternatives considered
  • ADRs written for significant decisions
  • Team expertise matches chosen patterns

When to Use

This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.

Limitations

  • Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
  • Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
  • Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.
Info
Category Development
Name architecture
Version v20260424
Size 6.47KB
Updated At 2026-04-25
Language