In TOGAF, what are Architecture Views?

Architecture Views in TOGAF are representations tailored for specific stakeholders. This concept is integral to the framework as it acknowledges that different stakeholders have varying interests and concerns regarding an architecture. By creating views that are relevant to each stakeholder group, architects can communicate complex architectural concepts and decisions in a manner that is understandable and useful to those specific audiences.

These views typically highlight different aspects of the architecture, such as business processes, system interactions, or technology requirements, depending on what is most pertinent to the stakeholders involved. This ensures that stakeholders can grasp the implications of architectural decisions without being bogged down by irrelevant details.

In contrast, detailed technical specifications for developers focus more on the technical aspects of implementation, which may not be relevant to non-technical stakeholders. Budget estimates pertain to financial planning rather than architectural representation, and static documents that reflect a single architectural perspective do not serve the purpose of addressing the diverse needs of different stakeholders. Thus, the tailored nature of architecture views is what makes them essential in effective architecture communication within the TOGAF framework.