IT architecture sketching
From ICT research methods
Contents
Why?
Defining the IT architecture is complex and requires contributions from and interactions between software designers and/or architects. Sketching facilitates these discussions.
How?
Come together around a whiteboard and draw the high-level architecture based upon discussion before and during the drawing process. Stay away from details, unless they are important for the overall design.
Ingredients
- The appropriate people (3–5 people with the required expertise is ideal).
- An understanding of the top-level requirements before starting.
- A whiteboard and markers.
- A camera to photograph the resulting sketch to detail later.
In practice
Most companies use architecture sketching at the beginning of the design process, and as a kick-off for major changes to a part of the architecture.
