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Architectural Pattern Quality Attribute Matrix

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About This MicroSim

This MicroSim is an 8×8 matrix that compares eight architectural patterns — Layered, Microservices, Event-Driven, CQRS, Strangler Fig, Hexagonal, Pipe-and-Filter, and SOA — across eight quality attributes. Each cell shows whether a pattern primarily supports (green), threatens (red), is complex/depends (yellow), or is neutral (gray) on that attribute. Clicking a cell reveals the specific tradeoff mechanism and what to probe for in an ATAM evaluation, helping students choose the pattern best suited to a set of prioritized quality attribute scenarios.

How to Use

  1. Click any cell to read the tradeoff mechanism behind its rating and the related ATAM probing advice.
  2. Click a column header to sort the patterns by that quality attribute (best-supporting at the top) — a fast way to answer "which pattern is strongest for X?"
  3. Click a pattern name to see its one-line summary and its full quality-attribute profile.
  4. Compare Two Patterns lets you pick two patterns and view their ratings side by side.

Iframe Embed Code

You can add this MicroSim to any web page by adding this to your HTML:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/atam/sims/pattern-quality-matrix/main.html"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Grade Level

Undergraduate / Professional

Duration

15-20 minutes

Prerequisites

Familiarity with common architectural patterns and the quality attributes used in ATAM.

Bloom's Taxonomy Level

Analyze (L4)

Learning Objective

Students will be able to compare at least six architectural patterns across multiple quality attribute dimensions, identify the pattern most suitable for a given set of (H,H) quality attribute scenarios, and explain the tradeoff mechanism responsible for each pattern's strength or weakness.

Activities

  1. Find the strength (5 min): For three quality attributes, students sort by the column and name the top pattern, then read the mechanism.
  2. Choose for a scenario set (8 min): Given two (H,H) scenarios (e.g., high Scalability + high Modifiability), students use the matrix to pick a pattern and justify it from the cell mechanisms.
  3. Compare (5 min): Students compare Microservices and Event-Driven side by side and explain where they diverge.

Assessment

Give students a prioritized quality attribute profile and ask them to recommend a pattern, citing the supporting and threatening cells that justify the choice.

References

  1. Bass, L., Clements, P., & Kazman, R. (2021). Software Architecture in Practice (4th ed.). Addison-Wesley.
  2. Richards, M., & Ford, N. (2020). Fundamentals of Software Architecture. O'Reilly.