📌 Architecture Decision Records Summary
Architecture Decision Records, or ADRs, are short documents that capture decisions made about the architecture of a software system. Each record explains what decision was made, why it was chosen, and any alternatives that were considered. ADRs help teams keep track of important technical choices and the reasons behind them, making it easier for current and future team members to understand the system.
🙋🏻♂️ Explain Architecture Decision Records Simply
Imagine a group of friends building a treehouse who write down every big decision they make, like which kind of wood to use or where to put the ladder. This way, if someone asks later why they chose a certain thing, they can check the notes and see the reasoning.
📅 How Can it be used?
A team documents why they switched from one database system to another, so future developers understand the reasoning behind the change.
🗺️ Real World Examples
A software team is developing a web application and needs to choose between a monolithic or microservices architecture. They write an ADR explaining why they chose microservices, detailing the benefits, drawbacks, and the alternatives they considered. This record helps new team members quickly understand the decision and its context.
During the development of a mobile app, a team decides to use a specific authentication method. They create an ADR that outlines why this method was selected, including the security requirements and limitations of other options. When security audits occur later, the ADR provides clear documentation supporting their choice.
✅ FAQ
What is an Architecture Decision Record and why should I use one?
An Architecture Decision Record, or ADR, is a simple document that explains a key decision made about how a software system is built. It describes what was decided, why that choice was made, and what other options were considered. Using ADRs helps everyone understand the reasons behind important decisions, which can be very useful if you need to explain your thinking to new team members or remember why something was done a certain way months or years later.
How do Architecture Decision Records help teams work together?
ADRs make it easier for teams to share knowledge and keep track of important choices. When decisions are written down, everyone can see what has been agreed and why. This reduces confusion, helps avoid repeating old discussions, and makes it much simpler for new people to get up to speed. ADRs also help teams learn from past decisions and improve the way they make choices in the future.
Are Architecture Decision Records only for big projects?
No, ADRs are useful for projects of any size. Even small teams or simple projects can benefit from keeping a record of important decisions. It does not take much time to write an ADR, but having a clear history of choices can save a lot of time and effort later, especially if things need to change or if the team grows.
📚 Categories
🔗 External Reference Links
Architecture Decision Records link
Ready to Transform, and Optimise?
At EfficiencyAI, we don’t just understand technology — we understand how it impacts real business operations. Our consultants have delivered global transformation programmes, run strategic workshops, and helped organisations improve processes, automate workflows, and drive measurable results.
Whether you're exploring AI, automation, or data strategy, we bring the experience to guide you from challenge to solution.
Let’s talk about what’s next for your organisation.
💡Other Useful Knowledge Cards
Centre of Excellence Design
Centre of Excellence Design is the process of setting up a dedicated team or unit within an organisation to focus on developing expertise, best practices, and standards in a specific area. This team acts as a central point for knowledge, guidance, and support, helping other departments improve their skills and performance. The design involves defining the team's structure, roles, processes, and how it interacts with the wider organisation.
Staking Derivatives
Staking derivatives are financial products that represent a claim on staked cryptocurrency and the rewards it earns. They allow users to access the value of their staked assets without waiting for lock-up periods to end. By holding a staking derivative, users can trade, transfer, or use their staked funds in other financial activities while still earning staking rewards.
Business Model Innovation
Business model innovation is the process of changing the way a company creates, delivers, and captures value for its customers or stakeholders. This can involve rethinking how products or services are offered, how revenue is generated, or how relationships with customers are managed. The goal is often to stand out from competitors or respond to changes in the market.
Input Hooks
Input hooks are special pieces of code that allow a program to watch for and react to specific user inputs, such as keyboard presses or mouse movements. They act like listeners, waiting for certain actions so that the software can respond immediately. This mechanism is often used to customise or extend how a program handles user input beyond its standard functions.
API Lifecycle Management
API Lifecycle Management is the process of planning, designing, developing, testing, deploying, maintaining, and retiring application programming interfaces (APIs). It helps ensure that APIs are reliable, secure, and meet the needs of both developers and end users. Good API lifecycle management streamlines updates, tracks usage, and simplifies support over time.