Things We Architects Can/Should Do Better

Holding us to higher standards, always

Working in dynamic and fast-paced environments, architects need to adapt to challenges and learn from their mistakes. These can be opportunities for learning and growth, as long as architects acknowledge their shortcomings and reflect on their actions. By doing so, they can enhance their skills, boost their confidence, and avoid repeating the same errors.

Another aspect that architects should care about is how users perceive and experience their solutions (UX). In a digital-first world, UX is vital for the success of any product or service, as it influences customer satisfaction, loyalty, and word-of-mouth. To design solutions that create value and delight, architects need to empathize with the users, understand their needs and expectations, and test their assumptions and get feedback from the users. For example, they can use various user research methods, such as interviews, surveys, and observations, to gain insights into the users’ problems and preferences. They can also validate their ideas using prototyping and testing tools, such as wireframes, mockups, and usability tests.

Speed is another key factor for architects, as they need to deliver solutions in a competitive market, where customer demands and market conditions change rapidly. Delays can result in lost opportunities, unhappy customers, and higher costs. To speed up the development and delivery of solutions, architects need to use agile and lean methods, such as Scrum, Kanban, and DevOps. These methods enable them to work in short and iterative cycles, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and respond to changing requirements and feedback.

• To learn from your mistakes, you should keep a record of the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the outcomes you achieved. You should also seek feedback from your peers, clients, and mentors, and use it to improve your performance.
• To empathize with the users, you should involve them in the design process as much as possible. You should also observe how they use your solutions in real contexts, and identify any pain points or opportunities for improvement.
• To speed up the delivery of solutions, you should prioritize the most important and valuable features, and deliver them in small and frequent increments. You should also automate and streamline the testing and deployment processes, and use tools and platforms that support continuous integration and delivery.

In addition to learning from their mistakes, empathizing with users, and delivering solutions quickly, architects should also focus on collaboration and communication, technical expertise, innovation and creativity, risk management, sustainability, ethics, and professionalism.

Collaboration and communication are essential for architects to work effectively with various stakeholders, including clients, developers, designers, and project managers. Architects should be able to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively, listen actively to feedback, and negotiate compromises when necessary. By working closely with stakeholders, architects can ensure that everyone is aligned with the project goals and requirements, and that the solutions meet the users’ needs and expectations.

Technical expertise is also critical for architects to make informed decisions based on their knowledge and experience. Architects should have a deep understanding of the technologies and tools they are using, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in their field. By continuously improving their technical skills, architects can evaluate different options and choose the best solutions for their projects.

Innovation and creativity are essential for architects to come up with new and effective solutions to complex problems. Architects should be able to think outside the box, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. However, they should also balance innovation with practicality and feasibility, ensuring that their solutions are both creative and effective.

Risk management is another important aspect that architects should consider. Architects should be aware of the risks associated with their solutions and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By identifying potential risks, assessing their likelihood and impact, and developing contingency plans, architects can ensure that their solutions are robust and resilient.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, and architects should consider the environmental impact of their solutions. Architects should evaluate the lifecycle of their solutions, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal, and make informed decisions that minimize waste and reduce energy consumption. By creating sustainable and eco-friendly designs, architects can contribute to a better future for all.

Ethics and professionalism are also essential for architects to conduct themselves with integrity and respect. Architects should adhere to ethical and professional standards, and ensure that their solutions are fair, inclusive, and accessible to all users. By being transparent and accountable for their actions, architects can build trust and credibility with their clients and users.