aSQA: Architectural Software Quality Assurance

In this paper, we present a novel technique for assessing and prioritizing architectural quality in large-scale software development projects. The technique can, after an initial investment, be applied with relatively little effort by software architects and the technique is therefore suited for agile development in which quality attributes are assessed and prioritized within each development sprint. We report on the benefits and liabilities of the technique based upon interviews and experiences from three companies and supplemented by a survey study. In conclusion, the technique is considered valuable and a viable tool, and have benefits both at the architectural, technical, level, as well as in a business and people context.