adr-format-tyree-akerman

Tyree-Akerman ADR Format

The Tyree-Akerman format, developed by Jeff Tyree and Art Akerman, is a comprehensive template for enterprise-grade architectural decision documentation. It provides extensive traceability to requirements, principles, and related artifacts.

About Tyree-Akerman Format

The Tyree-Akerman format is:

• Comprehensive - Covers all aspects of decision documentation
• Traceable - Links to requirements, principles, artifacts
• Enterprise-ready - Supports formal governance
• RACI-aware - Documents decision makers and stakeholders

Template Structure

# {NUMBER}. {TITLE}

## Metadata

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Status | {STATUS} |
| Date | {DATE} |
| Decision Makers | {names/roles} |
| Consulted | {names/roles} |
| Informed | {names/roles} |

## Issue

{Architectural question}

## Decision

{Clear decision statement}

## Assumptions

* {Assumption 1}
* {Assumption 2}

## Constraints

* {Constraint 1}
* {Constraint 2}

## Positions

### Position 1: {Title}
{Analysis}

### Position 2: {Title}
{Analysis}

## Argument

{Reasoning for decision}

## Implications

* {Implication 1}
* {Implication 2}

## Related Decisions
## Related Requirements
## Related Artifacts
## Related Principles
## Notes

Section Guide

Metadata Table

Document decision governance:

Field	Purpose
Status	Current decision state
Date	Decision date
Decision Makers	Those with final authority
Consulted	Those providing input
Informed	Those who need to know

Issue

State the architectural question clearly:

• What needs to be decided?
• Be precise and unambiguous
• Focus on the architectural aspect

Decision

State the decision clearly:

• Unambiguous statement
• Specific enough to act upon
• Direct language

Assumptions

List underlying assumptions:

• What is assumed to be true
• Conditions the decision depends on
• Beliefs about the future