one-three-one-rule

A structured decision brief frames technical trade-offs into a single problem statement, three viable options with pros and cons, and a concrete recommendation with a defined definition of done and implementation plan.

Documenting tooling selections works best by framing exactly three distinct options labeled A, B, and C, comparing their pros and cons, and concluding with a single recommendation and implementation plan.

Writing a migration proposal involves defining one clear problem sentence, listing three options with pros and cons, and providing a formal recommendation with a definition of done and concrete implementation steps.

Yes, structured proposals apply directly to refactoring strategies by forcing a single problem statement, three options with pros and cons, and one recommendation with a definition of done and implementation plan.

A formal architecture decision recommendation must include a single problem statement, three options with pros and cons, one recommendation, a definition of done, and a concrete implementation plan.