Heuristics and Biases in System Architecture

For the design of complex technological systems, the use of system architecture, a type of conceptual model, is being considered as a promising solution for formalizing and communicating the structure, behavior, and views of subsystems and components. A system architecture is used to enable the design of a system that includes both software and hardware; however, during conceptualization of a system architecture, heuristics, which are also referred to as mental shortcuts, are used and sometimes even encouraged to save mental energy during a decision-making process. One of the challenges inherent in developing a system architecture is producing the architecture with minimal biases. Biases may introduce unwanted influences on the design or conceptual model of a system. Presently, there is a lack of research regarding the heuristics or subsequent biases that may be present within a system architecture process. The purpose of this research is to better understand influential factors on the architecting process by conducting a literature review on heuristics and biases that may be found within system architecture. Specifically, this research will focus on the three main heuristics of availability, anchoring and adjustment, and representativeness as well as biases associated with each. Finally, future avenues for research are suggested and elaborated to further practitioners’ understanding of heuristics and biases within system architecture.