# 5.3 Principles about the focus of an architecture, ISO 42024 ## Published contents Contents1 Scope2 Normative references3 Terms and definitions4 Architecture concepts4.1 Overview4.2 Architecture and architecting4.3 Architecture design and solution design4.4 Architecture definition and communication4.5 Stakeholder concerns and architectural aspects4.6 Architecture viewpoints and architecture views4.7 Architecture frameworks and architecture description languages4.8 Architecture descriptions and architecture models4.9 Reference architectures and reference models4.10 Life cycle and life history4.11 Architecting precepts5 Architecting principles5.1 Introduction to the principles5.2 Principles about the purpose of an architecture5.3 Principles about the focus of an architecture5.4 Principles about architecting outcomesTerms 3.2 Architecting concepts 3.2.1 Architecture3.2.2 Architecture feature3.2.3 Architecting3.2.4 Architecting principle3.2.5 Architecture principle3.2.6 Architecture framework3.2.7 Reference architecture3.3 Entity related concepts 3.3.1 Entity of interest3.3.2 Solution entity3.3.3 Environment3.3.4 Context3.3.5 Enterprise3.3.6 System3.3.7 Aspect3.3.8 Dimension3.4 Architecture design concepts 3.4.1 Design (noun)3.4.2 Architecture design3.4.3 Architecture information package3.4.4 Engineering effort3.4.5 Solution design3.4.6 Solution information package3.4.7 Stakeholder3.4.8 Stakeholder perspective3.4.9 Concern3.5 Architecture description concepts 3.5.1 Architecture description3.5.2 Solution description3.5.3 Architecture view3.5.4 Architecture viewpoint3.5.5 Model3.5.6 Metamodel3.5.7 Reference model3.6 Entity life cycle concepts 3.6.1 Life cycle3.6.2 Life cycle phase3.6.3 Life cycle stage3.6.4 Life historyAnnexes A.1 Architecture design and solution related entitiesA.2 Architecture expressed as a set of modelsA.3 Life cycle and life history conceptsA.4 Enterprise and system conceptsA.5 Duality of architectural decomposition and architectural synthesisB.1 BackgroundB.2 Aligning architecture in designB.3 Duality of architectureB.4 Pursuit of opportunities Home / Concepts 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. - principle, not a requirement - Clause area - ISO/IEC/IEEE DIS 42024 - Last updated: 2026-10-21 ## 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. Ask your teamWhich item in the architecture backlog fails all three parts of the focus test? ## 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 - 3.2.2 - 3.2.1 - 5.4 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 Source: https://iso-42024-revision-checker.theartofservice.com/clauses/focus-of-an-architecture/