Lesson 112 - Architecture Characteristics Worksheet

Identifying architecture characteristics (otherwise known as “-ilities”, non-functional characteristics, and system quality attributes) is one of the main activities of a software architect. In this lesson Mark Richards shares with you a worksheet he created and uses on projects that helps identify, organize, and validate architecture characteristics. Mark covers each section of the worksheet, and then shows an example of how it is used. Whether starting a new greenfield project or validating an existing architecture, this worksheet can help you in your role as a software architect.

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[joaodasilva]

Another great lesson Mark. Your worksheet is an immensely helpful 'selector' template, almost a 'select your architecture - for dummies' tool, love it! ;-)

[alexandeap]

excellent work. thank you for sharing your knowledge and research.

[durgapalepu]

Thank yo Mark, it's very interesting and informative session. The Architecture Characteristic Worksheet is quite useful!!

[victorbrylew]

Thank you for these worksheets Mark. In few of your previous lessons you mentioned hybrid architectures but there are only 'clear' architectures on your second worksheet. At what moment of time you can decide to try some of hybrids? What should be trigger that can point you on these alternatives?

[oleksandr]

Thanks for sharing this worksheet! Very useful!

Aren't availability and data consistency two competing characteristics?
What architecture style and patterns allow both to be achieved at the same time?

[solaristhesun]

Do you select the 7 characteristics in advance and let the stakeholder pick the top 3? Or do you select the 7 together with the stakeholders?

[szeredaiakos]

Unfortunately most developers are hired based on the technologies they use not their ability to deliver on those characteristics.