Last updated on 2024年3月30日

How do you share software architecture with stakeholders?

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Software architecture is the high-level design of a software system that defines its components, interfaces, patterns, principles, and quality attributes. It is a crucial part of any software project, as it affects its feasibility, maintainability, scalability, performance, security, and usability. However, software architecture is not only a technical concern, but also a communication tool that helps you share your vision and decisions with various stakeholders, such as developers, managers, customers, users, and regulators. But how do you share software architecture with stakeholders effectively and efficiently? Here are some tips and techniques that can help.

本文章的要点总结

Use common language:

When sharing software architecture, ditch the jargon and opt for terms everyone understands. Analogies and relatable examples can turn a foggy concept into a clear picture, inviting valuable input from all stakeholders.
Active design documents:

Maintain a living document that outlines the software’s architecture, including diagrams and test cases. It evolves as your project does, ensuring stakeholders stay informed and engaged with the most current information.

本摘要由 AI 和以下专家提供支持

Iain White

Tech Consultant | IT Leader | Mentor |…
Samir Patel

Sr. Product Architect at Siemens

1 Use multiple views

Different stakeholders have different interests and backgrounds, and require different levels of detail when it comes to software architecture. Therefore, you should not rely on a single view or diagram to convey your architecture, but use multiple views that address different aspects and perspectives of the system. For example, you can use a logical view to show the functional decomposition of the system, a physical view to show the deployment and distribution of the system, a process view to show the concurrency and communication of the system, and a development view to show the organization and structure of the code. You can also use scenarios, cases, or user stories to illustrate how the system works in specific situations.

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Samir Patel

Sr. Product Architect at Siemens
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Active Design Document. Appropriate Diagram or Test as per targeted stack holder. Essential Elements 1 System Architecture & Tech Stack 2. Scope, Boundary & context 3. Architecture specific requirement 4. Domain (Static / Dynamic) & Imp Use Cases 5. Key design decisions, NFRs 6. Solution Diagrams (Static/Dynamic) 7. Test Architecture

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Chadi KALLAB

M.I.S. & A.I. Software Architect, IT Consultant
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I agree with that breakdown but also the architecture should also reflect or compromise both technical and business stakeholders needs/concerns

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2 Choose appropriate notation

The notation you use to represent your architecture views should be clear, consistent, and understandable by your intended audience. You can use standard notation, such as UML, or custom notation, as long as you define and explain it. Use different levels of abstraction and detail, depending on the purpose and scope of the view. For example, you can use a high-level overview diagram to show the main components and relationships of the system, and a detailed component diagram to show the internal structure and behavior of a specific component. Use annotations, comments, or legends to provide additional information or clarification.

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Chadi KALLAB

M.I.S. & A.I. Software Architect, IT Consultant
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I agree and add the fact that some functionalities can be viewed from different angles, thus represented either generically or in many views

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3 Document your rationale

The architecture of a software system is not only a description of what the system is, but also a justification of why the system is designed that way. Therefore, you should document your rationale behind your architectural decisions, such as the trade-offs, constraints, assumptions, and alternatives you considered. You should also document the quality attributes or non-functional requirements that influenced your architecture, such as performance, reliability, security, or usability. Documenting your rationale helps you communicate the value and benefits of your architecture, as well as the risks and challenges that it entails.

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4 Use different formats

The format you use to share your architecture with stakeholders can vary depending on the context, medium, and goal of the communication. Different formats, such as documents, presentations, models, prototypes, or code, will convey different aspects and levels of your architecture. For example, you can use a document to provide a comprehensive and formal description of your architecture, a presentation to provide a concise and visual overview of your architecture, and a model to provide a precise and abstract representation of your architecture. A prototype will provide a concrete and interactive demonstration of your architecture while code will give a detailed and executable implementation.

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5 Solicit feedback

Sharing your architecture with stakeholders is not a one-way process, but a two-way dialogue that allows you to exchange ideas, opinions, and suggestions. So, solicit feedback from your stakeholders, such as questions, comments, or critiques, and respond to them accordingly. You should also be open to revising or refining your architecture based on the feedback you receive, as well as validating or verifying your architecture against the expectations and requirements of your stakeholders. Soliciting feedback helps you improve the quality and suitability of your architecture, as well as the trust and collaboration among your stakeholders.

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Ricardo José Nunes

Arquiteto de Software
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Feedback is a critical moment, requiring emotional maturity to handle feedback. To ensure satisfactory feedback, some initiatives are essential: scheduling regular review meetings, maintaining detailed documentation, developing prototypes for practical demonstration, organizing workshops, creating forums for continuous discussion, conducting ongoing testing, and holding individual interviews. Establishing an open and collaborative environment is crucial for stakeholders to feel comfortable contributing insights. These practices help obtain valuable feedback and ensure that stakeholders' needs and concerns are considered throughout the development process.

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6 Use common language

The language you use to share your architecture with stakeholders should be clear, consistent, and understandable by your intended audience. Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your stakeholders, unless you define and explain them. You should also use common language that reflects the domain and context of the system, as well as the goals and needs of the stakeholders. Use examples, analogies, or metaphors to illustrate or simplify complex or abstract concepts. Common language will help you bridge the gap and foster alignment between your architecture and your stakeholders.

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Iain White

Tech Consultant | IT Leader | Mentor | Virtual CTO | Leadership Coach | Project Manager | Scrum Master | IT Strategy | Digital Transformation | IT Governance | Agile | Lean | Theory Of Constraints | SaaS | Brisbane ????.
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Sharing software architecture effectively with stakeholders hinges on clarity and relatability. In my practice, I've learned that eschewing technical jargon in favor of common language not only facilitates understanding but also fosters collaboration. For instance, using analogies that align with stakeholders' experiences can demystify complex architectures, making the abstract tangible. Additionally, incorporating visual aids that illustrate these analogies enhances comprehension. This approach not only ensures that stakeholders grasp the architectural vision but also enables them to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue, ensuring the architecture meets both technical and business objectives.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you share software architecture with stakeholders?

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1 Use multiple views

2 Choose appropriate notation

3 Document your rationale

4 Use different formats

5 Solicit feedback

6 Use common language

7 Here’s what else to consider

Design Patterns

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