Use this when
A meaningful implementation choice affects interfaces, data, security, operations, compatibility, or future work.
Process
- Inspect the existing system and state the user or operational outcome being protected.
- Record constraints, known facts, assumptions, and non-goals.
- Describe two or three realistic options, including keeping the current design.
- Compare complexity, reversibility, compatibility, security, performance, and maintenance cost.
- Choose the smallest option that satisfies the outcome and explain why.
- Define consequences, migration or rollback needs, and a date or condition for revisiting the choice.
Output
Use: Status, Context, Decision, Alternatives, Consequences, Verification, and Follow-up.
Guardrails
Do not invent system constraints. Do not use an architecture record to hide an unresolved product decision or to justify unnecessary infrastructure.