Architecture Decision Record
An Architecture Decision Record is an organizational decision record that captures architectural decisions, decision context, and decision consequences.
- AKA: ADR, Architectural Decision Log, Design Decision Record.
- Context:
- It can typically document Decision Title through descriptive headings and unique identifiers.
- It can typically capture Decision Context through problem statements and driving forces.
- It can typically record Decision Outcome through chosen solutions and rationale explanations.
- It can typically enumerate Decision Consequence through trade-off analysis and impact assessments.
- It can typically track Decision Status through lifecycle states and revision history.
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- It can often include Alternative Option through considered alternatives and rejection reasons.
- It can often reference Related Decision through decision dependencies and decision impacts.
- It can often specify Implementation Guidance through action items and migration paths.
- It can often establish Review Criteria through success metrics and evaluation checkpoints.
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- It can range from being a Lightweight Architecture Decision Record to being a Comprehensive Architecture Decision Record, depending on its documentation detail level.
- It can range from being a Technical Architecture Decision Record to being a Strategic Architecture Decision Record, depending on its decision scope breadth.
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- It can integrate with Version Control System for decision history tracking.
- It can connect to Documentation Platform for centralized access.
- It can interface with Project Management System for implementation tracking.
- It can communicate with Architecture Review Board for decision approval.
- It can synchronize with Knowledge Management System for organizational learning.
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- Example(s):
- Technology-Choice Architecture Decision Records, such as:
- Pattern-Based Architecture Decision Records, such as:
- Cross-Cutting Architecture Decision Records, such as:
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- Counter-Example(s):
- Informal Design Discussion, which lacks structured documentation format.
- Implementation Detail Document, which focuses on how rather than why.
- Meeting Minutes, which capture discussion without formal decision structure.
- See: Governance Process, Organizational Decision Record, Technical Design Document, Software Architecture Document, Project Management Plan, System Design Document, Cross-Team Governance Practice.