Making smart decisions when designing software architecture is key to reducing costs, avoiding bottlenecks and maximizing productivity for your team. At the same time, it’s important to avoid getting so bogged down in theory that it takes you too long to get started. The following tips can help you build flexible and effective B2B software in a results-oriented way.
Countless SaaS developers and software architects use Amazon Web Services extensively for their projects. When it comes to cloud-based software platforms and apps, few systems are as capable as AWS. Unfortunately, performing manual tasks, such as database migration, governance and compliance checks, and data structuring can be time-consuming. With AWS automation and acceleration solutions, you can significantly reduce the time required for onboarding tasks. You can significantly accelerate architecture design, metadata refactoring and solution testing. Ready-to-use templates and automated platform architecture support make life easier for software developers.
Feel Free To Be Abstract
Resist the temptation to organize your building blocks in terms of ready-made components, such as third-party add-ons, servers and similar rigidly defined systems. Most of the time, these rigid constructs are more of a hindrance than an aid to building functional software. After all, adding web servers and databases to the mix can significantly increase system complexity. Better not to tie yourself up too soon.
Try to think in terms of function rather than initial form. Instead of a detailed list of components, write down the abstract aspects that you know the software needs. The idea is similar to locating a destination on Google Maps. If you try to define the entire path, a single roadblock can completely derail your entire journey. By setting different goals and “going with the flow,” it’s much easier to adapt. You’re still going in the same general direction, but you leave yourself options for unexpected problems.
For example, if you are designing business software for e-commerce, you know that payment processing is essential. For other types of software solutions, you may need to create an architecture that allows persistent state. It is possible to keep these concepts general enough in the beginning so that you do not get confused by compatibility requirements.
Have a Quality Conversation With the Client
Another thing that can really ruin a software architect’s day is discovering that the client wants significant design changes after the project is already well underway. It’s similar to a home remodeler figuring out that the homeowner really wants an open-concept kitchen layout when the new cabinets are already installed. It is possible to adjust the application, but it creates unnecessary stress, time constraints and architectural weak points that should not have been exposed.
Don’t overwhelm clients with technical jargon they can’t understand. Instead, create a substantial mind map or diagram with basic business requirements, management areas and key functions.
For example, an online store needs a software solution for employees and customers. Create a mind map for each UX design. On the employee side are tools related to accounting, ordering, inventory management, shipping and similar tasks. Having the client present at this stage allows you to ask questions and get an idea of other essential qualities.
This does not mean that the client needs to list every detail of what the B2B software should do or the complete design of every included feature. High-level reviews are extremely helpful.
Keep Your First Software Design Iteration Relatively Simple
Software designers, writers, musicians and other creative people have a few things in common. There is a tendency to hyper-focus on small parts of projects too quickly. Expecting perfection at the start of architectural design is not just unrealistic. This is also a waste of time.
Think about how many times your team has radically changed features or modules to achieve the ideal result. Sometimes, parts of the code that designers worked hard on have to be thrown out due to client requests or time constraints.
It is better to start the development phase with full freedom. As you begin to get a better idea of the challenges presented by the software, you are better prepared to offer concrete solutions. This type of iteration-based design is more flexible and practical. This can result in software products that are closer to the client’s needs.
