Version: 1.0.0
Purpose
The Decision Log records every significant decision made during the lifecycle of an AOD project.
Its purpose is to preserve context, prevent repeated discussions, explain why decisions were made, and provide a historical record that supports future development.
The Decision Log is considered a living artifact and should be updated continuously throughout the Evolution phase of the project.
When This Artifact Is Created
The Decision Log is created during the Governance phase immediately after Discovery has been approved.
It remains active throughout the life of the project.
Dependencies
Requires:
- Discovery Summary
- Governance Approval
Referenced By:
- Product Bible
- Source of Truth
- Product Requirements
- Architecture
- Planning
- Evolution
AI Generation Instructions
When creating or updating the Decision Log:
Record only meaningful engineering or business decisions.
Do not record routine implementation details.
Each decision should include sufficient context that another engineering team could understand why the decision was made months or years later.
Never delete historical decisions.
If a decision changes, create a new entry referencing the previous decision.
The Decision Log is immutable history.
Corrections should be recorded as superseding decisions rather than modifications.
Required Fields
Every decision should include:
Decision ID
Date
Project Phase
Category
Decision
Reasoning
Alternatives Considered
Impact
Approved By
Status
Supersedes (if applicable)
Categories
Business
Governance
Architecture
Planning
Implementation
Security
Database
Infrastructure
UI/UX
AI
Integration
Operations
Other
Example Entry
Decision ID: DEC-0007
Project Phase: Architecture
Category: Database
Decision: Use Supabase PostgreSQL as the primary application database.
Reasoning: Supports relational data, Row Level Security, authentication integration, scalability, and rapid MVP development.
Alternatives Considered:
Firebase
MongoDB
Custom PostgreSQL
Impact:
Low implementation risk
Strong security model
Supports anticipated growth
Approved By: Founder
Status: Approved
Validation Criteria
The Decision Log is complete when:
Every major project decision has been recorded.
Each decision includes sufficient reasoning.
Superseded decisions remain preserved.
Categories are consistently applied.
Decision IDs remain unique.
Historical context is maintained.
Maintenance
The AI should review the Decision Log whenever:
A governance document changes.
Architecture changes.
Planning changes.
Major implementation decisions occur.
Business priorities change.
If a new decision conflicts with a previous decision, the AI should identify the conflict and recommend creating a superseding entry.