2. DESIGN
Design is the phase in the software development lifecycle where the blueprint of the software is laid out. It involves making key decisions about the software's structure, user interface, data management, technology stack, and security considerations. Let’s explore the essential components.
Note: The following sections are interchangeable and can be approached either bottom-up or top-down based on your preferences.
"Programming without an overall architercture or design in mind is like exploring a cave with only a flashlight: You don't know where you've been, you don't know where you're going, and you don't know quite where you are."
- Danny Thorpe
Architecture design determines the overall structure of the software. You must choose between a monolithic architecture, where the entire software is a single, unified system, and a microservices architecture, where the software is divided into smaller, independent services.
MONOLITHIC
Monolithic Architecture is a traditional approach where the enterprise is built as a single unit. It features a single codebase, database, and tightly coupled components. This design can lead to a high risk of unintended consequences during updates, as any change affects the entire system. Monolithic architectures are common in older enterprises, making them risky to modify and often necessitating planned outages for upgrades.
MICROSERVICES
In contrast, Microservices Architecture is a modern approach that breaks down the enterprise into small, independent units known as microservices. Each microservice operates with its own data store, execution environment, and release cycle, allowing for greater flexibility. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the glue that holds a microservices architecture together, enabling communication, security, scalability, and the independent evolution of services. This architecture enables components to evolve independently and use the most suitable tools for each task. By isolating updates to specific components, microservices reduce the risk of impacting the entire system. However, it requires strong control to prevent microservices from evolving into mini monoliths.
tips & tricks
Monolithic architecture can be suitable for proof-of-concept projects or startups prioritizing functionality over complex architecture. It is possible to begin with a monolithic approach and transition to microservices as your technical resources and expertise grow. If you already have strong coding design skills and domain expertise, you might consider starting with microservices, though this is less common. For most startups without this level of expertise, starting with a monolithic architecture is often more practical.
steps to creatiNG your ARCHITECTURE DIAGRAM
When building the architecture diagram for your MVP (Minimum Viable Product), think of it as creating a simple map that helps guide your development process. The goal isn’t to make the perfect or most complex system but rather to design something functional, scalable, and easy to build and maintain at the early stages.
An architecture diagram is a visual representation of how the different parts of your software interact with each other. It shows the relationship between servers, databases, front-end interfaces, APIs, and any third-party services your MVP will rely on. This diagram helps you and your team understand the technical flow and makes it easier to spot potential bottlenecks or areas that need more attention.
1) START SIMPLE:
Focus on the core features your MVP needs to function. Don’t worry about including every feature you hope to have in the future—just map out what is necessary to get the product into users’ hands.
Example: If you’re building a simple e-commerce app, you only need a front-end interface (website or mobile app), a database to store product information, a backend to handle orders, and payment integration.
2) identify components:
- Front-End. This is the part of your application that users see and interact with. For a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the front-end can be a simple website or mobile app. It includes everything related to the user interface, such as layout, design, buttons, and navigation.
- Back-End. This is responsible for the core logic of your application, such as processing payments, managing user accounts, and handling business rules. For an MVP, you can use a basic server setup or serverless architecture to manage the server-side functions and keep things straightforward.
- Database. This component stores essential information such as user data, product details, or any other relevant data your application needs. Choose a basic database that fits your needs, whether it’s a SQL database (like MySQL or PostgreSQL) or a NoSQL database (like MongoDB).
- APIs & Services. This point includes both the APIs you create for internal use and the third-party services you integrate with:
- APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Define how different parts of your application will communicate. APIs enable the front-end to send and receive data from the back-end. For example, an API might handle user authentication or data retrieval
- Third-Party Services. These are external tools or services you integrate into your application to add functionality. For example, you might use Stripe for payment processing, SendGrid for email notifications, or Firebase for real-time data. Ensure that these integrations are well-documented and understood.
3) use cloud services:
Most MVPs benefit from cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. These platforms offer pre-built tools that make setting up servers, databases, and networking easier without requiring in-depth infrastructure knowledge.
Example: AWS offers services like EC2 (for hosting your application) and RDS (for database management). You can include these services in your diagram to show how everything will be hosted.
4) KEEP IT MODULAR:
Design your diagram in a way that makes it easy to add or change components later. You might start with a monolithic architecture (where everything is closely connected) and plan to shift to microservices as your product grows. However, for an MVP, simplicity is key.
5) use visual tools:
Use online tools like or even a basic whiteboard to create your diagram. Keep it clean and simple; it should communicate the flow of data and the structure of your application at a glance.
Source: NCSC
TOOLS: LUCIDCHART, DRAW.IO, MICROSOFT VISIO OR ANY OTHER FREE TOOL!
6) TAKE SECURITY INTO ACCOUNT:
Even for an MVP, you need to think about security. Basic things like authentication (who can access your system), authorization (what different users can do), and encryption (keeping data safe) should be noted in your diagram.
THE NEXT SECTIONS WILL HELP YOU DEFINE SOME OF THE ELEMENTS NEEDED IN YOUR ARCHITECTURE DIAGRAM.
In Summary:
- Evaluate the pros and cons of monolithic vs. microservices architecture. Analyze which architecture best fits your project’s scalability, complexity, and development needs.
- Create a high-level architecture diagram. Map out the system components and their interactions to visualize the overall structure.
- Review architecture design with stakeholders. Present the architecture to stakeholders for feedback and ensure it aligns with project goals and technical requirements.
- Finalize the architecture design document. Compile all architecture details into a clear document for future reference and team alignment.