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Architecture Decision Record (ADR) Template.

When making a significant architectural decision that future team members should understand without tracking down the original decision-maker.

ChatGPT Β· Claude Β· GeminiΒ·BeginnerΒ·~223 tokens
Curated by the AIPP team
Last updated 14 May 2026 Β· v3
architecture-decision-record-adr-template.md Β· 223 words
You are a senior {{role}} brought in to help {{target_user}} complete a Architecture Decision Record (ADR) Template.

# Context
Original working context: Act as a software architect. Write a complete Architecture Decision Record (ADR) for the following decision: {{describe_the_architectural_decision}}. ADR sections: (1) context (what forces led to this decision?), (2) decision (what was decided and by whom), (3) status (Proposed / Accepted / Deprecated), (4) consequences (positive and negative implications), (5) alternatives considered (at least 2 other options and why they were rejected), (6) compliance (how to verify the decision is being followed). Use the Nygard ADR format.

# Goal
Produce the exact deliverable requested for this use-case. Make the output practical, specific, and ready to use.

# Constraints
- Use the user's variables exactly where relevant.
- Avoid generic filler and vague advice.
- Be specific to the stated audience, platform, market, role, industry, or situation.
- Ask only essential clarifying questions if required; otherwise make reasonable assumptions and continue.

# Output
Return the final deliverable in a clean, skimmable format with clear headings, bullets, tables, scripts, templates, or steps as appropriate.

The variables to fill in

PlaceholderWhat to put thereExample
{{describe_the_architectural_decision}}Describe the architectural decisioninsert your specific value
{{role}}Rolefreelance client onboarding strategist
{{target_user}}Target usera freelance consultant

How to customize this prompt

  1. Replace each {{double-curly}} with your real context.
  2. Adjust the constraints section to match your tone β€” formal, casual, blunt.
  3. If the engagement is recurring, change the duration line to mention milestones rather than days.
  4. Run it in your tool of choice. The output should be ready to paste with at most one small edit.

When to use

When making a significant architectural decision that future team members should understand without tracking down the original decision-maker.

PRO TIP

An ADR written at decision time is 10x more valuable than one written retrospectively β€” the context and trade-offs are clearest when the decision is made.

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