VDAF / The Framework
Framework Activities
Six interconnected methodological activities translate reusable architecture governance and guidance into customer-specific architectural content, informed decisions and measurable business outcomes.
1. Value Discovery
Clarify business drivers, strategic intent, objectives, stakeholders and expected value.
Explore activity →2. Capability Intelligence
Assess capabilities, maturity, ownership, dependencies and improvement opportunities.
Explore activity →3. Architecture Definition
Develop Architecture Vision, baseline, target and transition architecture and decisions.
Explore activity →4. Value-Based Planning
Prioritise work by value, risk, feasibility, dependencies and business objectives.
Explore activity →5. Architecture Governance
Apply ceremonies, standards, decision gates, reviews and ADR processes throughout delivery.
Explore activity →6. Value Realisation
Evaluate outcomes, progress, maturity and business value; use findings for improvement.
Explore activity →From Guidance to Business Value
VDAF’s six methodological activities describe how architectural work is performed and how reusable governance and guidance are applied to produce customer-specific architecture content. They are distinct from professional architecture disciplines, such as Enterprise, Business, Data and Solution Architecture, which provide the expertise needed to perform these activities.
The activities are iterative and may overlap or repeat throughout the architecture lifecycle.