architectural-proposals

To document architecture decisions, draft a structured proposal in docs/proposals/ covering the Problem Statement, Proposed Architecture, Key Decisions Needed, and Scope. This formalizes decisions to align engineering teams before coding starts.

Aligning engineering teams during product shifts requires documenting the problem, proposed architecture, and risks in a structured proposal. This provides a repeatable pattern to formalize decisions and keep technical reality matched with product direction.

An architectural proposal template should include sections for Problem Statement, Proposed Architecture, What Changes, What Stays the Same, Key Decisions Needed, Risks and Mitigations, and Scope, plus optional Implementation Plan and Open Questions sections.

Manage risks and scope in architecture documentation by explicitly detailing them in dedicated proposal sections. Use the Risks and Mitigations section to identify threats and the Scope section to define boundaries before implementation begins.

Frame key decisions for long-running initiatives by using a proposal's Key Decisions Needed section alongside optional Implementation Plan and Open Questions sections. This manages expectations and documents necessary resolutions.

Avoid using architectural proposals for routine tasks or minor changes that do not impact waves of work, alter external dependencies, or shift product direction. They are designed for significant architecture shifts requiring formal team alignment.