Stage 07 - Architecture
Design the complete system architecture including components, data flow, infrastructure, and technical decisions that will guide all subsequent development work.
When to Use This Skill
- •User asks to start stage 07 (architecture)
- •User wants to design system architecture or select tech stack
- •User asks about database design, API architecture, or infrastructure
Your Roles in This Skill
See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for role selection guidance.
Role Communication
See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for the required role announcement format.
Pre-Stage Check
Before starting, verify previous stages:
- •Check if
00-init-ideas/through06-ux/folders have content (not just.gitkeep) - •If any previous stage is empty and has no
SKIP.md:- •Ask user: "Stage {XX} is not complete. Would you like to skip it or start from that stage first?"
Instructions
Step 1: Context Review
Read all files to understand the project:
- •
ideas.md - •
00-init-ideas/*.mdthrough06-ux/*.md- All markdown files
Step 2: Create Stage Proposal
General Rules: See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md → "Create Stage Proposal Rules" section.
If this stage is skipped (has SKIP.md), execute the next non-skipped stage's agent skill. Otherwise, create the file 07-architecture/README.md with the following content:
2.1 Stage Goal
Brief the goal in 2-3 paragraphs:
- •What this stage aims to achieve (define system architecture, tech stack, data models, APIs)
- •Why architecture design is critical before development begins
- •How this builds upon previous stages (UX flows, PRD requirements, MVP scope, tech research findings)
- •What deliverables will be produced
2.2 File Selection
Select files from these options based on project needs:
System Architecture:
- •
system-architecture.md- Overall system architecture describing components and interactions - •
architecture-diagram/- High-level system architecture diagrams - •
C4-component-diagram/- C4 model diagrams: Context, Containers, Components Technology Stack: - •
tech-stack.md- Selected languages, frameworks, libraries, and tools - •
tech-stack-rationale.md- Detailed reasoning for each technology choice
Database Design:
- •
database-design.md- Database schema design and data modeling approach - •
database-schema/- ER diagrams showing tables and relationships
API Architecture:
- •
api-design.md- API architecture patterns, authentication, versioning strategy - •
api-endpoints.md- Complete listing of API endpoints
Infrastructure:
- •
infrastructure-design.md- Overview of infrastructure components - •
infrastructure-diagram/- Infrastructure topology diagrams Security & Scalability: - •
security-architecture.md- Security design including authentication and authorization - •
scalability-plan.md- Scalability considerations and strategies
Data & Integrations:
- •
data-flow-diagram/- Data flow diagrams - •
integration-architecture.md- Third-party service integrations
For each selected file, provide:
- •Short description
- •Why it's essential for this project
- •Key information it should include
2.3 Request User Approval
Ask user: "Please check the Stage Proposal in 07-architecture/README.md. Update it directly or tell me how to update it."
Step 3: Execute Stage Plan
Once user approves 07-architecture/README.md:
3.1 Create All Planned Files
Create each file listed in the approved README:
- •For
.mdfiles: Write comprehensive content with clear sections and technical details - •For diagram folders: Follow
dev-swarm/docs/mermaid-diagram-guide.mdto create related diagrams files
Quality Guidelines:
- •Base architecture decisions on PRD requirements, UX designs, and tech research findings
- •Ensure tech stack choices align with team capabilities and validated assumptions
- •Design for MVP scope first, with considerations for future scalability
- •Include clear component boundaries and interfaces
- •Document all major architectural decisions and trade-offs
- •Reference any constraints or recommendations from tech research stage
3.2 Request User Approval for Files
After creating all files:
- •Provide a summary of what was created
- •Highlight key architectural decisions and trade-offs
- •Ask: "Please review the architecture design. You can update or delete files, or let me know how to modify them."
Step 4: Finalize Stage
Once user approves all files:
4.1 Documentation Finalization
- •Sync
07-architecture/README.mdto remove any deleted files - •Ensure all files are complete and well-formatted
- •Check that all diagrams render correctly
4.2 Prepare for Next Stage
- •Summarize key architectural decisions for reference in tech-specs stage
- •Identify any technical risks or open questions
4.3 Announce Completion
Inform user:
- •"Stage 07 (Architecture) is complete"
- •Summary of deliverables created
- •Key architectural decisions made
- •"Ready to proceed to Stage 08 (Tech Specs) when you are"
Stage Completion Rules
See dev-swarm/docs/general-dev-stage-rule.md for stage completion, commit, and skip rules.
Key Principles
- •Document architectural decisions and trade-offs
- •Design for MVP scope first
- •Consider security and scalability from the start
- •Support smooth transition to tech specs