Applying and analyzing A3 Architecture Overviews in a complex and dynamic engineering environment

This research analyzes the implementation of the A3 Architecture Overview (A3AO) method at Mercedes-Benz R&D. An A3AO captures, organizes and presents architectural information of a complex system on an A3 sized paper. The goal is to communicate architectural knowledge in a human-oriented way, assuring all stakeholders obtain and maintain a common understanding and overview of the system. The A3AO method was applied to ‘high-voltage charging systems’. Two higher-level A3AOs and three A3AOs on more in-depth topics were created. The charging system is considered to be representative for the engineering environment of Mercedes-Benz R&D. General results showed that the A3AO method is useful in documenting and communicating architectural knowledge of a system. It furthermore produces good overviews of a complex system, which can be used in discussions and to train new employees. The two main impact factors ensuring sufficient added value are the format and the integration in the development process.