Introduction: System (Abstract) Architecture Viewpoint Definition

This Architecture Viewpoint Definition (AVPD) describes the design of the System Description Architecture Description Framework for a System-of-Interest situated in its environment.. The Architecture Viewpoint Definition (AVPD) has been created using the COMPASS Architectural Framework Framework (CAFF) from the COMPASS Project.

 

The System Description Architecture Description Framework provides the viewpoints to create the views for a System Description. The System Description provides a complete and testable definition of a system-of-interest. The System Description template is patterned after the Root Definition used in the Soft System Methodology (SSM) from the book Systems Thinking, Systems Practice to describe a Human Activity System or the list of 10 Things to understand about systems, from the book, Architecting Systems, by Hillary Sillitto.

 

In addition, the System Description that is produced from the System Description Architecture Description Framework can be used in the Ontology Definition View for creating Architecture Viewpoint Definition (AVPD) for the system-of-interest.

The latest version of ISO 42010:2022 includes the concept of a Structuring Formalism. The second version of the Architecture Description Framework includes a structuring formalism. The Structuring Formalism was established based upon experience using the System Description Architecture Description Framework. The System Description (SDSF) essentially describes the process for creating and using a system description in the architecting process. The current version is available in the link below.

PDF: Structuring Formalism: System Description (SDSF), Version 0.4, 07-February-2023

Big Picture

The following diagram highlights the full set of information that supports the creation and use of system descriptions.