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Scope Dimensions Tool

Define the four scope dimensions (breadth, depth, time horizon, and architecture domains) for an architecture engagement so the team agrees on what is in and out before work starts.

PreliminaryDerived from TOGAF

Architecture scope on two axes: breadth and depth, with the trade-off in each quadrant

The grid encodes the two scope decisions on the X and Y axes. Each quadrant shows what the chosen combination produces and what it sacrifices.

Scope is a four-dimensional decision (breadth, depth, time, domain). Mapping the two most visible axes to a quadrant exposes the trade-off the architect has to defend before Phase A signs off.

Architecture scope on two axes: breadth and depth, with the trade-off in each quadrant A two-by-two matrix of architecture scope on two blue axis rails: a vertical Breadth rail, narrow to broad, and a horizontal Depth rail, shallow to deep, along the bottom. Each quadrant names one combination, with a green marker for what it gains and an amber marker for what it sacrifices. Narrow plus shallow is the Tactical patch: fast delivery, but a cross-domain blind spot. Narrow plus deep is the Deep dive: a strong basis for one domain, but misses adjacent breakage. Broad plus shallow is the Survey: a wide picture, but no actionable detail. Broad plus deep, marked in red, is the Enterprise scope: cross-domain integrity at the cost of time and money, and the scope Phase A must defend. Breadth: narrow to broad Depth: shallow to deep Broad, shallow Survey Wide picture, future routing No actionable detail Broad, deep Enterprise scope Cross-domain integrity Time and cost Narrow, shallow Tactical patch Fast delivery, single team Cross-domain blind spot Narrow, deep Deep dive Strong basis for one domain Misses adjacent breakage What the combination gainsWhat it sacrifices Broad and deep is the enterprise scope.It is the only quadrant that holds cross-domain integrity, and the time and cost it asks for iswhat Phase A must defend.