Supporting Customizable Architectural Design Decision Management

Abstract

When engineering complex software systems, the key Architectural Design Decisions (ADD) and the reasoning underlying those decisions need to be fully understood by all stakeholders. Achieving such understanding usually requires the use of ADD management tools. Most existing ADD management tools apply prescriptive ADD models and do not provide sufficient customizability. However, forcing architects to follow an ADD model that does not fit their specific needs can cause significant problems (e.g., extra cost is needed, and architects’ willingness and motivation can negatively be affected). This research project aims at solving this issue by developing a highly customizable solution, which can enable practitioners to define ADD models according to their preferences and working situations. The detailed needs for ADD model customization will be identified by multiple case studies and semi-structured interviews; the proposed solution will be evaluated using different empirical research methods.