A tradeoff makes the consequences of competing design alternatives visible: choosing one option preserves some benefits while giving up others. Comparing alternatives prevents preference or majority support from hiding what the decision excludes. section 11.1.1
Make tradeoffs useful by:
- Creating several models for the same problem before converging. section 4.5.3
- Comparing what each alternative provides and the downsides it introduces. section 11.1.1
- Turning disadvantages into concrete, actionable fixes rather than unresolved questions. section 11.1.1
- Considering the complete list of consequences, including effects that may be neutral for one team but costly for another. section 11.1.1
A practical comparison
Suppose two architecture designs remain plausible. Write what Alternative A provides and costs, then do the same for Alternative B. The benefits unavailable after choosing one option are part of its tradeoff. Record the comparison in a Pros-Cons-and-Fixes list, research whether each fix is possible, and capture the decision and consequences for later reference. section 11.1.1 section 11.7
Figure 4.18 A simple tradeoff exercise filling in why one model has a better tradeoff than the other
Use the tradeoff exercise to state why one model offers a better balance than another. section 4.5.3
