Gernot Starke & Benjamin Wolf
Architecture Communication Canvas
#1about 3 minutes
The common problems with software architecture documentation
Most projects suffer from either no documentation, overwhelming documentation, or overly complex diagrams that are impossible to understand.
#2about 4 minutes
Understanding the canvas pattern for structured visualization
A canvas is a one-page, structured visualization tool that captures key elements of a complex topic, inspired by the Business Model Canvas.
#3about 3 minutes
A brief overview of the Arc42 documentation template
Arc42 is an open-source template with 12 chapters for structuring software architecture documentation, but it can still be too extensive for some teams.
#4about 5 minutes
Introducing the Architecture Communication Canvas
The Architecture Communication Canvas is a one-page tool structured into problem, solution, and risks sections to concisely communicate a system's design.
#5about 3 minutes
Three practical use cases for the canvas
The canvas can be used to kickstart system reviews, overcome the blank-page syndrome when starting documentation, and quickly capture essential knowledge in emergencies.
#6about 3 minutes
Real-world examples of the canvas in action
See examples of the canvas applied to a large CRM system, a small internal tool, and a simple link checker to show its scalability.
#7about 4 minutes
Team experiences and benefits of using the canvas
Teams report that creating a canvas is fast, fun, and leads to valuable insights and "aha" moments about their own system.
#8about 1 minute
Q&A on canvas implementation and maintenance
The most difficult section to write is often past "bad decisions," and the canvas should be reviewed periodically, such as every three months.
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Matching moments
06:31 MIN
From ARC 42 to the Architecture Communication Canvas
42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons
01:45 MIN
Common challenges in architecture documentation
42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons
10:56 MIN
How different teams use the architecture canvas
42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons
22:30 MIN
Common pitfalls when using the architecture canvas
42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons
18:45 MIN
Fostering alignment and documenting microservices
42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons
00:26 MIN
Why documenting architectural decisions is crucial
Work efficiently with Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)
13:41 MIN
User feedback on the benefits of the canvas
42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons
12:42 MIN
Using the arc42 template for lightweight documentation
Work efficiently with Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)
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