ADR Template (DAR/SWOT)
ADR Template: Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR)
Template Version: 1.0
Based on: ABT UI Technology Stack Decision Framework
Approach: SWOT Analysis + T-Shirt Sizing for Weighted Criteria Evaluation
ADR-XXX: [Decision Title]
Created by: [Author Name]
Last updated: [Date]
Estimated read time: [X] minutes
Table of Contents
- Background
- Goal
- Key Principles
- Key Inputs, Assumptions and Restrictions
- Options Analysis
- Criteria for Making a Decision
- Final Decision
- Contributors
- Discussion & Brainstorming
Background
[Describe the experience and context that led to this decision point. Include:]
- What is the current state?
- What problems or feedback triggered this decision?
- Why is this decision important now?
- What are the business/technical drivers?
Goal
[State the goal of this decision analysis clearly:]
- What problem are we trying to solve?
- What outcomes do we expect?
- How will we measure success?
Key Principles
[List the guiding principles that will inform this decision:]
| # | Principle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Principle Name] | [Brief description] |
| 2 | [Principle Name] | [Brief description] |
| 3 | [Principle Name] | [Brief description] |
Key Inputs, Assumptions and Restrictions
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Input | [Known fact that informs the decision] |
| Assumption | [Something we believe to be true but cannot verify] |
| Restriction | [Hard constraint we must work within] |
Options Analysis
Option 1 - [Name]
Summary
[Brief description of this option - 2-3 sentences]
Conceptual View
[Architecture diagram or description of how this option works]
[ASCII diagram or reference to image]
Impact / Changes Required
[What changes would be needed to implement this option?]
SWOT Analysis
| Category | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Strengths | 1. [Strength 1] 2. [Strength 2] 3. [Strength 3] |
| Weaknesses | 1. [Weakness 1] 2. [Weakness 2] |
| Opportunities | 1. [Opportunity 1] 2. [Opportunity 2] |
| Threats | 1. [Threat 1] 2. [Threat 2] |
Option 2 - [Name]
Summary
[Brief description of this option]
Conceptual View
[ASCII diagram or reference to image]
Impact / Changes Required
[What changes would be needed?]
SWOT Analysis
| Category | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Strengths | 1. [Strength 1] 2. [Strength 2] |
| Weaknesses | 1. [Weakness 1] 2. [Weakness 2] |
| Opportunities | 1. [Opportunity 1] |
| Threats | 1. [Threat 1] |
Option 3 - [Name]
Summary
[Brief description of this option]
Conceptual View
[ASCII diagram or reference to image]
Impact / Changes Required
[What changes would be needed?]
SWOT Analysis
| Category | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Strengths | 1. [Strength 1] |
| Weaknesses | 1. [Weakness 1] |
| Opportunities | 1. [Opportunity 1] |
| Threats | 1. [Threat 1] |
Criteria for Making a Decision
T-Shirt Sizing Scale
| T-Shirt Size | Numeric Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 1.0 | Worst for this aspect |
| S | 2.5 | Poor |
| S-M | 3.75 | Below Average |
| M | 5.0 | Average |
| M-L | 6.25 | Above Average |
| L | 7.5 | Good |
| L-XL | 8.75 | Very Good |
| XL | 10.0 | Best for this aspect |
Weighted Evaluation Matrix
| Criteria | Description | Weight (1-10) | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | Score | Rating | Score | Rating | Score | |||
| [Criterion 1] | [Description] | [W] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] |
| [Criterion 2] | [Description] | [W] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] |
| [Criterion 3] | [Description] | [W] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] |
| [Criterion 4] | [Description] | [W] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] |
| [Criterion 5] | [Description] | [W] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] | [T-Shirt] | [W×V] |
| TOTAL | [Sum] | [Sum] | [Sum] |
Common Criteria (customize as needed)
- Performance - Response time, throughput, resource usage
- Maintainability - Ease of updates, debugging, code quality
- Developer Experience - Learning curve, tooling, debugging
- Reuse of Existing Assets - Leverage current code, tests, documentation
- Integration & Extensibility - 3rd party support, future growth
- Time to Market - Development speed, delivery timeline
- Team Feasibility - Skills available, training needed
- Support & Community - Vendor support, community, longevity
- Security - Vulnerabilities, compliance, best practices
- Cost & Licensing - License fees, infrastructure costs
Final Decision
Selected Option: [Option Name]
Rationale
[Explain why this option was selected based on:]
- Total weighted score
- Key differentiating factors
- Risk considerations
- Strategic alignment
Implementation Notes
[Any specific guidance for implementing the decision]
Review Triggers
[Conditions that would cause us to revisit this decision:]
- [Trigger 1]
- [Trigger 2]
Contributors
| Name | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| [Name] | [Role] | [What they contributed] |
| [Name] | [Role] | [What they contributed] |
Discussion & Brainstorming
Instructions: Team members add their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions below.
[Name] - [Date]
[Comment or concern]
[Name] - [Date]
[Comment or concern]
Revision History
| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | [Date] | [Author] | Initial decision |