How can you design software architecture that is user-centered?

1 Understand the users

The first step is to understand who your users are, what they want, and how they behave. You can use various methods to gather user data, such as interviews, surveys, personas, scenarios, user journeys, and user stories. You can also observe and test how users interact with your existing or prototype software, and collect feedback and metrics. The goal is to identify the user needs, problems, expectations, and preferences, as well as the context and environment in which they use the software.

3 Choose the architectural style

The third step is to choose the architectural style that best suits your software and your users. Architectural style is the general pattern or framework that defines the structure, behavior, and communication of the software components, such as client-server, peer-to-peer, microservices, or event-driven. You can use various criteria to select the architectural style, such as the quality attributes, the functional requirements, the technical constraints, and the design principles. The goal is to choose the architectural style that supports your software and your users, and that is consistent, coherent, and modular.

4 Design the components and connectors

The fourth step is to design the components and connectors that implement the architectural style. Components are the units of functionality that provide the services or operations of the software, such as modules, classes, or objects. Connectors are the mechanisms that enable the interaction and coordination of the components, such as interfaces, protocols, or messages. You can use various tools and methods to design the components and connectors, such as UML diagrams, design patterns, or code generation. The goal is to design the components and connectors that realize the quality attributes, the functional requirements, and the architectural style.

5 Validate the architecture

The fifth step is to validate the architecture that you have designed. Validation is the process of checking and verifying that the architecture meets the user needs, the quality attributes, and the functional requirements. You can use various techniques to validate the architecture, such as reviews, inspections, simulations, or experiments. You can also involve the users and stakeholders in the validation process, and collect their feedback and opinions. The goal is to validate the architecture that you have designed, and to identify and resolve any issues or gaps.

6 Evolve the architecture

The sixth and final step is to evolve the architecture that you have validated. Evolution is the process of adapting and improving the architecture over time, in response to the changing user needs, quality attributes, functional requirements, or technical constraints. You can use various practices to evolve the architecture, such as refactoring, testing, monitoring, or documentation. You can also incorporate the user feedback and suggestions in the evolution process, and measure and evaluate the impact of the changes. The goal is to evolve the architecture that you have validated, and to ensure that it remains user-centered, effective, and sustainable.