Software engineers must make architectural decisions while developing and it is essential to establish a clear framework for making those decisions. The article talks about building a framework for making architectural decisions that can provide clarity on the decision-making process and who should be involved. It suggests building an internal Technology Radar, Technology Standards, and Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) to capture decisions that follow the standards and the radar. The methodology can ensure broader consistency of cross-cutting concerns and reduce the risk of suboptimal adoption of new technologies. The article emphasizes the importance of making such a framework right as it will define how much freedom and autonomy different teams have, which should align with the business’s needs and the company culture. The article also talks about building your own Technology Radar that shows the maturity of different technologies, tools, and methodologies your company uses or plans to use. The Technology Radar is a visual representation of your companys current and desired technology stack. The framework can impact how different leadership roles are perceived, the role of managers and individual contributors in technical decisions, and the level of empowerment at different career levels.
