Architecture Decisioning Skill

When a significant design choice must be made, use this skill to weigh options and document the decision clearly.

Steps

1. •

   State the context. Summarise the problem or requirement driving the decision. Reference relevant sections of ARCHITECTURE.md and other docs that impose constraints.

2. •

   Identify options. List the viable alternatives. For each, describe the approach, including technologies, patterns and how it satisfies the requirements.

3. •

   Evaluate trade‑offs. Compare the options against criteria such as complexity, performance, scalability, security, maintainability and alignment with existing architecture. Note pros and cons.

4. •

   Recommend a decision. Select the option that best meets the criteria. Explain why it is preferred and address why other options were rejected.

5. •

   Document the decision. Create or update an Architecture Decision Record (ADR) in a dedicated directory (e.g. docs/adr/). Include context, decision, consequences and links to relevant discussions. Ensure the ADR is referenced in ARCHITECTURE.md.

6. •

   Communicate and review. Share the ADR with stakeholders for feedback. Incorporate suggestions and finalise. Make sure the decision is reflected in subsequent plans and implementations.

Thoroughly documented decisions foster transparency and ease future maintenance or revisiting when requirements change.