Architecture Decision Framework

"Requirements drive architecture. Trade-offs inform decisions. ADRs capture rationale."

Selective Reading Rule

Read ONLY files relevant to the request! Check the content map, find what you need.

File	Description	When to Read
context-discovery.md	Questions to ask, project classification	Starting architecture design
trade-off-analysis.md	ADR templates, trade-off framework	Documenting decisions
pattern-selection.md	Decision trees, anti-patterns	Choosing patterns
examples.md	MVP, SaaS, Enterprise examples	Reference implementations
patterns-reference.md	Quick lookup for patterns	Pattern comparison

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Related Skills

Skill	Use For
@[skills/database-design]	Database schema design
@[skills/api-patterns]	API design patterns
@[skills/deployment-procedures]	Deployment architecture

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Core Principle

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

• Start simple
• Add complexity ONLY when proven necessary
• You can always add patterns later
• Removing complexity is MUCH harder than adding it

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Validation Checklist

Before finalizing architecture:

• Requirements clearly understood
• Constraints identified
• Each decision has trade-off analysis
• Simpler alternatives considered
• ADRs written for significant decisions
• Team expertise matches chosen patterns

When to Use

This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.