Architecture frameworks in system design: Motivation, theory, and implementation

Abstract

This research examines the underlying rationale of architecture frameworks and their use in acquisition with the goal of identifying best practices to improve system development. Three key questions are addressed: (1) What is the role of artifacts in system design? (2) What are the benefits provided by architecture frameworks? And (3) what are the best measures-of-effectiveness for assessing the value of architecture frameworks? To address the first question, we review relevant literature on collaborative design and propose a rationale for using artifacts as communicative and illustrative tools. Second, we enumerate the motivations for their use in system design and acquisition. Third, eight measures-of-effectiveness of architecture frameworks are derived from the literature and our experience with the Department of Defense Architecture Framework. © 2007 by Richards, Shah, Hastings, and Rhodes.