Architectural reviews improve system design. After leading production reviews, here’s how to conduct them effectively.

Review Process

Preparation

  1. Review materials - Architecture docs, ADRs
  2. Identify stakeholders - Relevant team members
  3. Set agenda - Clear objectives
  4. Prepare questions - Discussion points

During Review

  1. Present architecture - Overview first
  2. Discuss decisions - Rationale
  3. Identify concerns - Risks and issues
  4. Brainstorm solutions - Alternatives
  5. Document outcomes - Action items

Follow-up

  1. Document decisions - Update ADRs
  2. Track action items - Assign owners
  3. Schedule follow-up - Check progress
  4. Share outcomes - Team communication

Review Checklist

  • Architecture aligns with requirements
  • Scalability considered
  • Security addressed
  • Performance acceptable
  • Maintainability ensured
  • Cost reasonable
  • Risks identified
  • Alternatives considered

Best Practices

  1. Prepare thoroughly - Review materials
  2. Facilitate discussion - Encourage participation
  3. Focus on decisions - Not implementation
  4. Document outcomes - Clear action items
  5. Follow up - Track progress
  6. Regular reviews - Schedule consistently
  7. Inclusive - Multiple perspectives
  8. Constructive - Positive feedback

Conclusion

Architectural reviews enable:

  • Better decisions
  • Team alignment
  • Risk mitigation
  • Continuous improvement

Prepare well, facilitate effectively, follow up. The process shown here improves architecture.

Leading architectural reviews from December 2022, covering review process and best practices.