How to create and execute a clearly defined product architecture.
Published: 2024-01-02 12:24:58

 


## How to create and execute a clearly defined product architecture

Whether it's looking for restaurant reviews, downloading their favorite music, or simply browsing the internet, everyone has a go-to app or piece of software.
The user experience can establish an emotional bond with you in addition to defining the tasks you can perform, like enjoying your favorite music. Both joy and annoyance can be felt when using the software and app.
One of the essential components that defines the user experience is the product architecture.
One of the essential components that define the user experience is the product architecture. Building a solid product architecture is one of the most crucial basic tasks before you even reach the design stage of the product development process. lifecycle. In this article, we will look at how to create and implement a well-defined product architecture in software engineering.

The table of contents
•	What is meant by product architecture?
•	Why is product architecture important?
•	The various types of product architecture
•	Advantages of a clearly specified product architecture
•	Procedures involved in specifying the architecture of your product.
•	  How to enhance the architecture of a current product.




**What is Product Architecture?**
Product architecture is the integration of a product's functional elements or features with the goal. The methods used in assembling a product is one of the primary focus of product architecture.
The feature of a product architecture and the way they will relate together are essential to getting a great and unique product architecture.  
A product architecture must be formed as part of any product development process. 


**Why is product architecture very important?**

Just as the product is important to the company, so are the functional elements and features that make the  product come alive. Product architecture is important because it affect each feature of the product and also the manufacturing process. 
This means it is crucial that product teams prioritize the methods and process of designing and implementing each feature cause in the long run, it affects the product development lifecycle and product eventually. 


Types of product architecture
Depending on the particular product, effective product architecture can have many various shapes and configurations. Among the primary categories of product architecture are:
o	Integral architecture

o	Modular Architecture 

o	Hierarchical architecture 

o	Hybrid architecture


**Integral architecture**
Integral architecture lays emphasis on the integration of every product feature, purpose and function in relation with the type of product that is to be designed.

One example of a necessary product is the Apple iPod MP3/video player. This palm-sized device can organize, play, and save your own music and video library all in one place. The majority of tangible goods are essential in some way.


**Modular Architecture**
In modular product architecture makes sure we design the product modularity concepts.

According to McNaughton (2007), a system can be made to "hide the complexity of each part behind an abstraction and interface" by dividing it into multiple levels of interdependence and independence


**Hierarchical architecture**

According to hierarchical architecture, the system that is about to be built is divided  into logical modules or subsystems at various levels of the hierarchy, hence viewing the system as a hierarchical structure.


**Hybrid architecture**

The term "hybrid architecture" refers to the combination of two product architecture majorly integral and modular architecture. This allows for more flexibility and this kind of architecture helps to enhance performance and efficiency .



    **Advantages of a clearly specified product architecture** 
Developing a well-defined product architecture has numerous long-term advantages that extend throughout the product lifecycle. Among the most notable advantages are:

1.**Better alignment between product team and development team** -     Once a product architecture is established, it fosters better understanding and clarity between these teams about what is to be built and developed  resulting in more effectively alignment, particularly between the product and development teams.
 
2.** Faster Creation of products ** - Product architecture defines how the various product components fit together, which improves communication and collaboration, allowing for faster and more efficient product development. It also lowers development costs.

3.**Faster time to market** - A well-defined product architecture can help shorten the time it takes to develop by providing an orderly framework. This significantly reduces the amount of time required to design, create, and launch new features or products.

4.**Higher product quality** - Standardized, adaptable, and consistent products can be simply created, and they can be easily maintained by swiftly identifying and resolving faults. Since the product features and functions are  prioritized well, this led to the development of a product with a high quality . Ultimately, this will lead to increased levels of consumer satisfaction.

   **<u>How to define your product architecture </u>**(3 steps)
A clearly defined product architecture guarantees the product's flexibility, scalability, and security.  Here are 3 unique steps to follow when creating your product architecture:

         1. . List and describe your product's components and understand how they work
         2.  Know about your product's quality, time needed to be invested and the cost.
         3. Link and include these procedures when developing your product

1. **. List and describe the product's components and understand how they work together**.
A smaller, independent component of a bigger system that carries out a particular job or function is called a product component. Both software and hardware, or a combination of the two, can be product components.. Relationships are the links and exchanges that product components have with each other inside the ecosystem of the product architecture. Additionally, they specify the data flow between components and how they cooperate to create the final product. Product leaders have to lay out every aspect of their products and their interactions to spot possible issues and bottlenecks. Knowing their overall framework also facilitates finding answers quickly.

2.**Know about your product's quality, time needed to be invested and the cost**
**Product Quality **: Utilizing less expensive technology or parts can lower the product's overall quality and affect its dependability and security.

**Time**: There might not be enough time to create a clear product architecture if a product needs to be released right away. This might ultimately result in subpar performance or a product of lesser quality.

**Product Cost**— A hurried approach to product architecture may also result in increased complexity and resource requirements, which would raise development costs.

You should also take into account your target market, the level of competition, market trends, long-term company objectives, etc. Based on the overall impact on the product architecture and development process, weigh the trade-offs. Sometimes it's better to make long-term decisions early rather than later.

3.**Link and include these procedures when developing your product.**
Usually, the product, design, and development teams should work together with other cross-functional stakeholders to integrate product architecture with the processes of product development.

Throughout the product lifecycle, product architecture should be integrated with numerous development processes. Product architecture can be integrated with development processes to increase product quality, resource management, and team member alignment..
.

**<u>How to improve a present product's architecture</u>**.
Establishing a clearly defined product architecture that is optimized to achieve your product vision and goals is important, whether you are developing digital or physical products. Rather than mapping the product's physical design, the idea is to map its functions and features.

It's also critical to remember that product architecture rarely stays the same as the product develops. To identify any necessary improvements, you should audit and reevaluate your product architecture once every five to six months.




In Conclusion
Having read and understood how to design and implement a well-defined product architecture, start implementing a suitable product architecture into your product development process. Don't forget to leave a comment below