📋 Templates & Tools

Ready-to-use TDR templates and powerful tools to streamline your DDSE implementation.

Quick Access

🚀 Interactive TDR Builder

Create TDRs with guided prompts and real-time validation

Step-by-step wizard that guides you through creating any type of TDR with contextual help, examples, and automatic validation.

Build TDR →

TDR Template Library

📋 Complete Template Set

Production-ready templates for all TDR types with AI context sections:

Template Purpose Complexity Time to Complete
MDD Template Major Design Decisions High 1-2 hours
ADR Template Architectural Decisions Medium 30-60 minutes
CDR Template Contract Specifications Medium 45-90 minutes
EDR Template Engineering Decisions Medium 20-40 minutes
IDR Template Implementation Decisions Low 10-20 minutes
TDM Template Technical Decision Memos Low 5-10 minutes

🎯 Template Features

Every DDSE template includes:

  • YAML Frontmatter: Structured metadata for tool processing
  • Standard Sections: Decision context, outcome, and consequences
  • AI Context Block: Specific guidance for AI tools
  • Cross-Reference Support: Link to related decisions
  • Validation Ready: Compatible with DDSE validation tools
  • Examples: Real-world implementation examples

Validation & Quality Tools

🔍 TDR Validator

Ensure your TDRs meet DDSE standards:

Online Validator

  • Instant validation in your browser
  • No installation required
  • Detailed error reporting
  • Improvement suggestions

CLI Validator

  • Integrate into development workflow
  • Batch validation for multiple TDRs
  • CI/CD pipeline integration
  • Custom validation rules

Use GitHub Validator →

📊 Quality Metrics

Track your TDR quality over time:

  • Completeness Score: Percentage of required sections filled
  • AI Context Quality: Effectiveness of AI guidance sections
  • Cross-Reference Coverage: Decision linkage completeness
  • Validation Compliance: Adherence to DDSE standards

Template Customization

🏢 Organization Templates

Create branded templates for your team:

  • Custom Headers: Add organization branding and standards
  • Required Fields: Define mandatory sections for your context
  • Approval Workflows: Add review and approval processes
  • Integration Points: Connect with existing tools and processes

🎨 Template Builder

Create custom TDR templates:

  1. Select Base Template: Start with standard MDD/ADR/EDR/IDR/TDM
  2. Customize Sections: Add, remove, or modify template sections
  3. Configure AI Context: Tailor AI guidance for your technology stack
  4. Add Examples: Include organization-specific examples
  5. Export & Share: Download for team use or contribute to community templates

Implementation Guidance

Rapid Implementation (5 minutes)

  1. Identify a recent technical decision requiring documentation
  2. Select appropriate template (IDR recommended for implementation decisions)
  3. Complete required sections using template structure
  4. Include AI context specifications for tool integration
  5. Validate format and integrate into project repository

Systematic Implementation (30 minutes)

  1. Evaluate organizational decision documentation needs
  2. Download relevant template types for common decision categories
  3. Customize templates for organizational requirements and terminology
  4. Establish validation and review processes
  5. Integrate decision documentation into standard development workflows

Organizational Adoption (2+ hours)

  1. Assess current decision documentation practices and gaps
  2. Map organizational decision types to appropriate TDR template categories
  3. Develop organization-specific template customizations and governance processes
  4. Create training materials and establish adoption support processes
  5. Implement systematic rollout with measurement and feedback mechanisms

Template Application Examples

Practical Decision Documentation

Reference implementations demonstrating DDSE template usage:

  • API Architecture Decisions - RESTful service design and integration patterns
  • Data Management Decisions - Database technology selection and schema design approaches
  • Security Implementation Decisions - Authentication mechanisms and authorization frameworks
  • Development Process Decisions - Project organization patterns and coding conventions

Template Evolution and Community Contribution

Templates undergo continuous improvement through community feedback:

  • Version Control: Systematic tracking of template modifications and improvements
  • Community Input: Template refinement based on real-world application experience
  • Best Practice Integration: Incorporation of proven decision documentation patterns
  • Tool Compatibility: Updates ensuring compatibility with emerging AI development tools

Implementation Resources:

Begin with AI Collaboration Methods for systematic TDR creation guidance, or access specific template formats for immediate application.

Access TDR Templates →

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