Do you use Architecture Decision Records? I’m a big fan, and I think they’re a best practice every engineering org should adopt. 📐

🙋 What is an ADR?

An Architecture Decision Record (ADR) is a lightweight document that captures architectural decisions.

A good ADR typically consists of:

• The context behind the problem
• The options considered
• The decision made, including the why

Different companies/teams will add their own spin, but these are the core elements.

🤔 Why ADRs Matter

The ADR itself is helpful; it gives product, architecture, and engineering teams a shared reference point. Clear documentation reduces ambiguity, enabling teams to align and build effectively.

But the real value is the process.

Writing an ADR forces you to explore alternatives, consider trade-offs, and debate options objectively. If done well, ADRs capture everyone’s input and clearly document why a path was chosen.

This keeps architectural decisions grounded in logic rather than bias or preferences.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The documentation and process are valuable, but they only work with the right culture.

Teams need a culture where:

• Everyone is free to contribute to architectural decisions
• Diverse options are encouraged
• Decisions are made objectively
• ADRs are accessible and visible to everyone

Without the culture, the process becomes a formality and a burden of red tape.

With the right culture, ADRs become a powerful tool for making well-balanced & transparent decisions.

Of course, that culture and the process need to be embraced by all levels of the team. ADRs are only as useful as the effort you put into them.