---
title: "Use Architecture Principles as Decision Guardrails"
source: "https://virtualddd.com/heuristics/use-architecture-principles-as-decision-guardrails/"
authors: ["Peter Hunter", "Elena Stojmilova", "Kenny Schwegler", "Andrea Magnorsky"]
tags: ["software architecture", "decentralised decision-making", "facilitating software architecture and design"]
type: "design heuristics"
question: "How can you guide autonomous teams to make sound decisions without direct command?"
submitter: "Elena Stojmilova"
---

# Use Architecture Principles as Decision Guardrails

Establish clear, shared architecture principles that teams must consult during their decision-making process. These principles act as a framework, ensuring non-functional requirements like cost are consistently considered. This provides guardrails for autonomy.

## Example

To prevent teams from treating technology like a 'candy shop,' they were required to evaluate choices against architecture principles. This forced them to consider factors like cost, leading to more responsible decisions.