A simple 5-step approach to support any new initiative as a Software Architect

Supporting a new initiative as a Software Architect involves more than just selecting technology – it requires establishing clarity, boundaries, and direction in an environment full of uncertainty.

Over the years, I’ve learned that architecture is most effective when it begins before any discussion of systems, patterns, or technologies.

That’s why I use a straightforward five-step architectural approach for every new initiative:

Understand the Problem

Before architecture can exist, the problem must exist.

Using a Jobs-to-Be-Done Canvas helps teams describe the initiative from a value and outcome perspective, not from solutions.

This prevents premature architecture decisions and anchors later system design in real user needs.

Understand the landscape

Architecture is strategy.

A Wardley Map shows:

• where the initiative fits in the value chain
• which components should be built, bought, or commoditized
• and where innovation or industrialization is needed.

This prevents overengineering and aligns architecture with business strategy.

Understand the Domain

Architecture emerges from domain understanding.

Through Event Storming, we build shared terminology, flows, and subdomains.

This step is crucial because:

• domain language defines bounded contexts
• domain flows guide system decomposition
• domain complexity determines architecture complexity.

Every good architecture begins with shared understanding.

Define boundaries and team ownership

With Context Mapping, architectural boundaries become team boundaries.

This turns domain insight into bounded contexts, integration contracts, upstream and downstream relationships, and team responsibilities.

This is when architecture becomes organizationally real - not just theoretical.

Make initial architecture hypotheses

With the problem, landscape, and domain understood, we can define the technology direction.

The Architecture Decision Canvas helps collaboratively elaborate on the initial architectural hypotheses.

This ensures early alignment and gives teams a clear runway.

If you're looking for additional techniques to support software architects, check out the other post below.

30 Fundamental Techniques for Software Architects

Discover essential techniques for software architects to design modern systems, align with business goals, and manage stakeholders effectively. Learn more in this post!

workingsoftware.devPatrick Roos