How we think about creating new architecture

The article by Andrew Best explores the intricacies of designing a new software architecture, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured system that facilitates swift decision-making and adaptability to change. It describes the process of defining architecture, which involves setting clear goals aligned with business objectives, establishing constraints to limit complexity, and creating a common language for discussing emerging concepts. The piece highlights Octopus's efforts in developing a new architecture for deployment steps, focusing on simplicity, flexibility, and the ability to work with technologies beyond C#/.NET. It underscores the significance of collaborative decision-making, involving team input and expert scrutiny, to foresee system-level impacts and maintain a high-performing team. The text also addresses the challenges of both static and emergent complexities within architecture, advocating for detailed analysis and strategic constraints to manage these complexities effectively. Additionally, it stresses the importance of considering system quality attributes, or "ilities," such as maintainability, to ensure the architecture can evolve without disrupting existing systems. Overall, Best presents a comprehensive guide to crafting a robust software architecture that supports dynamic business needs and technological advancements.