A3 - Architecture overview

Capturing and communicating architectural aspects can be a challenge - especially during refactoring or when handing over responsibilities. That’s where the A3 method shines. Developed by the University of Twente in collaboration with TNO-ESI and Philips, this proven approach has been successfully adopted by leading high-tech companies.

Traditional system documentation often spans countless documents, inconsistent in content and format. The result? Outdated, incomplete, and hard-to-access information - leading to design decisions based on unreliable data.

The A3 method solves this by presenting architectural overviews on a single A3 sheet, combining graphical and textual representations. It captures the complete system using a limited set of core concepts, each linked through multiple connected views that reveal critical interdependencies.

The A3 method follows a clear, structured process:

1. Select the key architectural concept and target audience
2. Capture essential information on one A3 sheet, including:
   • Functional overview
   • Physical overview
   • Design decisions and key system parameters
3. Evaluate, adapt, and repeat as needed

This concise, visual approach makes complex systems easier to understand, communicate, and evolve - empowering teams to make informed decisions quickly.

• A3 Architecture Overview website

• A3 Architecture Overviews
  PhD thesis of P. Daniel Borches

• Cookbook A3 Architecture