There are several architecture models with prescribed views and notations. The Keep It Short & Simple architecture model is different. We create pieces of documentation iff they benefit stakeholders. We do so using drawing tools, not modeling tools. We say no to BDUF and yes to Important Design Up Front. We follow 7 tips for creating diagrams that are expressive, not ambiguous, and help you to successfully understand and evolve them, and build a system from them. We complement the design diagrams that describe structure and behavior with ADRs.

Target Audience: Developers and anyone else who plays the role of architect.
Prerequisites: If you've ever developed software, you're ready.
Level: Basic

Extended Abstract
Do you create or use architecture documentation? Have you ever been confused and wondered about the meaning of a box or arrow in a design diagram? Do you think architecture documentation is costly or time consuming? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, this tutorial has practical and valuable information for you. There are several proposed architecture models with prescribed views and notations. The Keep It Short and Simple architecture model is different. We create pieces of documentation if they benefit stakeholders. We do so primarily use drawing tools, not modelling tools. We say no to Big Design Up Front (BDUF) but say yes to Important Design Up Front (IDUF). We follow 7 guidelines for creating informal design diagrams that are expressive, not ambiguous, and effectively help you and others to successfully understand them, evolve them, and build a system from them. Finally, we complement the essential design diagrams that describe structure and behaviour with architecture decision records (ADRs) for the important design decisions.

In the tutorial we look at several example architectures from real world systems. Most are good examples, but we also turn a critical eye on known products' architecture diagrams with several opportunities for improvement. Participants can also share their experience throughout. The tutorial also includes a fun online game and a hands-on exercise.

Tutorial minutiae include: what is the minimum architecture documentation expected, what design decisions are important enough to deserve an ADR, examples of drawing tools, who should be responsible for architecture documentation, how to complement structural diagrams with behavior diagrams.