Cross-Functional · Framework · Intermediate · Saves 25+ hours
Decision Documentation System
A system for documenting important decisions.
What's included
- Decision Record Template
- Context
- Options considered
- Decision made
- Rationale
- Stakeholders
- Review triggers
- Decision Categories
- Which decisions to document
- Documentation depth
- Approval requirements
- System Design
- Storage and access
- Search and retrieval
- Update process
Best used when
- Major strategic decisions
- Technical architecture choices
- Policy changes
- Reversible decisions that need context
Why this is Gold
Decision context is often lost. This system preserves institutional memory.
The template
The Template
DECISION RECORDS
Decision Record Template (ADR Format)
DECISION RECORD
DECISION #: _______________
Date: _______________
Status: ☐ Proposed ☐ Accepted ☐ Deprecated ☐ Superseded
TITLE:
[Short, noun phrase describing decision]
CONTEXT:
[What is the situation? What forces are at play?]
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
DECISION:
[What are we doing?]
We will _______________________________________________
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Option 1: _______________
Pros: _______________
Cons: _______________
Option 2: _______________
Pros: _______________
Cons: _______________
RATIONALE:
[Why did we choose this option?]
_______________________________________________
CONSEQUENCES:
Positive:
- _______________
Negative/Risks:
- _______________
STAKEHOLDERS:
Decision maker: _______________
Consulted: _______________
Informed: _______________
REVIEW TRIGGERS:
Revisit this decision if:
- _______________
- _______________
Decision Criteria for Documentation
| Document if... | Don't document if... |
|---|---|
| Affects multiple teams | Single person decision |
| Hard to reverse | Easily reversible |
| Significant investment | Low cost/effort |
| Sets precedent | One-time situation |
Decision Log Summary
| # | Date | Decision | Status | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is the Decision Documentation System?
A system for documenting important decisions.
Who is the Decision Documentation System for?
It is built for Cross-Functionals and their teams working on Documentation. The AI coach adapts it to your company, stage, and goals.
How long does the Decision Documentation System take to use?
It saves roughly 25+ hours versus building from scratch. Our AI coach can tailor the framework to your situation in minutes, then hand you a step-by-step plan.
Is the Decision Documentation System free?
Yes. You can read the full framework and start getting coached through it for free. Sign in to save your tailored version and track your next steps.
How does the AI coach help with the Decision Documentation System?
The coach teaches you the framework, asks a few questions about your business, tailors the framework to you, and gives you measurable next steps to execute.