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The S.T.A.R Process in Writing ATAM Case Studies

We have written hundreds of case studies about how organzations use the ATAM process. We use the S.T.A.R approach which stands for:

  1. Situation - give context to the case study
  2. Task - what was the challenge being addressed
  3. Approach - What was the architectural approach?
  4. Results - What were the results, both measurable and intangible

Here are some details for each of these sections:

Situation (Context)

This is the backstory where we set the scene and provide the necessary background information. It involves describing the context within which the events or challenges occurred. For a case study, this would include details about the organization, the environment, specific circumstances, or any other relevant information that gives a clear picture of the scenario.

Task (Challenge)

Next, we outline the specific challenge or problem that needs to be addressed. It's about what needed to be done and why it was important. In a case study, this could involve a key pain point or the goal that the organization was trying to achieve, or a particular obstacle that needed to be overcome.

Architectural Approach

In this section, I describe my architectural approach to building a solution. I briefly describe the options on the table and the tradeoff process that I used to select a specific architectural solution. This process details the strategies, processes, or steps taken to tackle the problem. The focus should be on specific actions and why those actions were chosen.

Results

Finally, we present the outcomes of the approach we took. This is where I showcase the results, achievements, and learnings obtained from the experience. It's important to be as quantifiable as possible, using data and specific examples to illustrate the impact of the actions. I focus on easy-to-measure dollar savings and how the organization is repositioned to be more agile in the future.

We like this method because it provides a clear and logical structure, ensuring that all essential elements of a story or case are covered. It's particularly effective in making complex information more digestible and compelling, leading the audience through a logical progression from problem to solution.