Link: http://www.etc-architect.com/?p=150
From ETC-Architect » Architect Global | Software Architect, Global | Security Architect, Global
We usually follow either a framework or the project methodology of our organisation when we start architecture. There are however some common elements that are usually missing from this and that is where I will try to use some legal methodology to help out. The first step that I like to take is that of “prima facie” that in legal terms signify that upon initial examination, sufficient corroborating evidence appears to support a case. This is for me the exact definition of a feasibility study and an important and often overlooked aspect of any architecture, as in architecture most of our stakeholders often assume anything is possible.
This careful examination also need to lead to an evaluation of a commitment to progress with a given case or architecture. That commitment or obligation is need to be framed against the evidence and as such it may change later if additional evidence is brought forward. Lawyers usually prefer to this as to pro tango obligation where the obligation is something that exists only pro temper or just temporarily. This little part is very important and often forgotten in most projects as we need to communicate that any conclusion is build on our temporary understanding and is best support by a likelihood that this may change in the future. The importance is that later we can then build solutions with long lasting frameworks on those architectures that are likely to be in existence for a long time, instead of focussing on building architectures where the obligation is weak as external changes will change the foundations.
In legal as well as in architecture I follow this up with res ipsa loquitur that translates to the thing speaks for itself to that any reasonable person would immediately find the facts of the case. On architecture this represents something important as to a solution that appears reasonable to most other people in the field. So in this phase we need to ensure that whatever we are coming up with can be understood and followed in principal by all reasonable people in the area. While this may not include all details, it is still important that everyone can connect easily to the architecture, as if this not possible there is actually the very high chance that whatever you have come up with will never work on a day to day basis.
