Architecting principles · 5.3
Principles about the focus of an architecture
The subclause groups principles about the focus of an architecture. The definitions place the focus on fundamental concepts and essential properties, which are value focused, whole entity and enduring.
What this unit settles
The focus group is the answer to the question "what belongs in an architecture". The public evidence is the definition of architecture feature (3.2.2): value focused, holistic, enduring. That is a usable test for whether a decision belongs at architecture level or in solution design.
What to do in your practice
Apply the three part test to the current architecture backlog. A decision that is not value focused, not whole entity and not enduring belongs in solution design. Moving those items out is often the fastest way to make the architecture work tractable. Give the three part test to the delivery leads and ask them to apply it to their own backlogs. The items they move out are usually the ones that were blocking the architecture review, and the improvement in review time is the evidence that the test works.
Who it binds
The organisation and the architecture practice. This unit is not a shall requirement; the claim level states what it is.
Evidence an auditor or regulator asks for
- A backlog classified by the three part test.Shows the architecture scope is disciplined.
- The routing record for decisions moved to solution design.Shows where they went and who owns them.
- The architecture feature register.Shows the enduring properties are captured.
- A review note.Shows the test was applied.
Common gaps this page catches
- The backlog contains implementation tasks.
- No test distinguishes architecture from solution decisions.
- The feature register is missing.
What to prepare before publication
Classify the backlog with the three part test. Move the non architecture items to solution design and record the route. Publish the test in the method.
Common questions
- What does Principles about the focus of an architecture mean in ISO 42024?
- The subclause groups principles about the focus of an architecture. The definitions place the focus on fundamental concepts and essential properties, which are value focused, whole entity and enduring.
- What evidence should we keep for 5.3?
- A backlog classified by the three part test. The routing record for decisions moved to solution design. The architecture feature register.
Related units
Source. ISO/IEC/IEEE DIS 42024, Clause 5.3. Open the official record. Retrieved 21 October 2026.
https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso-iec-ieee:42024:dis:ed-1:v1:en
ISO catalogue record 87510, the status, stage and page count.
Claim level: principle, not a requirement. The subclause title is in the public preview. The body text is not public.
Last updated: 2026-10-21 · Markdown version · Check your practice