Reviewing architecture documents using question sets

This paper proposes a structured approach for reviewing architecture documents using question sets. Given the critical importance of architecture to software project success, it follows that the architecture cannot be effective unless it is captured in documentation that allows the stakeholders to understand and use the architecture in the way it was intended. The approach does not assume a particular architecture methodology or documentation approach, although it was conceived in the context of ISO/IEC 42010 and the SEI Views and Beyond approach to documenting software architectures. Like both of them, our approach is centered on the stakeholders of the artifact, utilizing them in a focused, guided way to assure that the documentation carries sufficient quality to enable them to do their jobs. Our approach is not intended as a complete framework for architecture evaluation; rather it is meant to be used within such a framework, when one is available.