Clear architectural decisions through well-founded evaluations

The architecture evaluation is a central tool for ensuring the quality of a design. It supports well-founded decisions regarding the further development of a project, promotes transparency, and enhances team communication. Through a structured analysis, the current development status and defined requirements can be effectively compared.

In this training, you will learn various methods for systematically evaluating software architectures, including the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) and the Decision-Centric Architecture Review (DCAR). While ATAM helps systematically identify architectural decisions and assess their impact on quality attributes, DCAR focuses on targeted analysis and documentation of decision-relevant aspects. In addition, other established evaluation methods will be introduced, providing you with a broad methodological repertoire for various application scenarios.

What can you expect?

In the “ARCEVAL – Architecture Evaluation” module, you can expect a hands-on training where you will learn and apply methods for evaluating software architectures, such as ATAM and DCAR. You will deepen your knowledge of quality scenarios, architectural decisions, and evaluation processes. The goal is to analyze, communicate, and systematically improve architecture quality.

Participant Requirements

➤ You should have basic knowledge of software architectures (views, concepts, decisions).
➤ Ideally, you have experience in creating and maintaining architectures.
➤ Knowledge of typical challenges in architectural design will ease your entry.
➤ Experience in evaluating architecture quality and working with stakeholders is helpful.
➤ You should be able to understand and apply quality requirements and constraints.

Technical Requirements

There are no specific requirements for the training environment, as the exercises will take place using cloud- and web-based tools such as Miro, Draw.io, and platforms like Jupyter or HuggingFace. A stable and sufficiently fast internet connection is all that is needed.

Your Added Value

➤ You will learn proven methods for evaluating software architectures and applying them to specific project situations.
➤ You will understand the relationship between software quality, architectural decisions, and their impact.
➤ You will be able to collect, document, and utilize quality scenarios for architecture evaluations.
➤ You will acquire practical skills to conduct scenario-based workshops and apply techniques like ATAM or DCAR.
➤ You will learn how to assess existing systems and their architecture in terms of implementation and quality.
➤ You will develop skills to effectively communicate evaluation results and understand their impact on iterative development processes.

✔️ Basic Concepts of Software Architecture Evaluation
➤ Understand the fundamentals of architectural goals and quality attributes.
➤ Differentiate between methods and approaches for evaluation.
✔️ Requirements in Architecture Evaluation
➤ Collect and document quality scenarios.
➤ Select architectural views as needed.
✔️ Evaluation Process
➤ Apply ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method).
➤ Analyze and document risks and trade-offs.
✔️ Post-Evaluation and Result Utilization
➤ Integrate evaluation results into iterative processes.
➤ Use communication tools effectively for presenting results.
✔️ Evaluating Existing System(s)
➤ Apply metrics to evaluate current architectures.
➤ Utilize tools to assess architecture implementation.
✔️ Examples of Software Architecture Evaluation
➤ Conduct scenario-based workshops.
➤ Analyze realistic evaluation inputs and results.

Your Benefits at a Glance

➤ Improved Architecture Quality: Early identification of risks and clear assessment of quality attributes.
➤ Efficient Collaboration: Clear communication and involvement of relevant stakeholders.
➤ Flexibility and Transparency: Iterative approaches allow for quick adjustments and well-founded decisions.