Architecture Portal

Customer perspectives

Relationships, needs and experience.

Adrian Sutherland · Version 1.0 · · © 2005–2026

Three useful views

For the cancellation, a relationship view distinguishes learner and payer. Research examines what each needs. A journey follows what happens while a resolution is sought. Each reveals a different part of the architecture.

Approach Contribution Connection to examine
A Simple Architectural Framework (ASAF): Customer Connects customer strategy, changes to the service, current relationships and policies. Connect external needs to purpose, channels and operating responsibilities.
GOV.UK Service Standard Emphasises understanding users and their needs when designing a service. Retain the research and uncertainties behind an architectural assumption. Understand users.
Customer journey Follows a person’s steps, expectations, waiting and difficulties. Connect the visible experience to the teams, information and rules that produce it.
Capability view Describes what the organisation must be able to do. Check that the ability produces the outcome the customer needs.

Journey and capability views here are general techniques. The Service Standard addresses government services. This comparison uses selected public guidance to identify useful questions for the example.

Trade-offs

A common service path can simplify delivery and support. Different needs may justify variants or assistance. Record why a difference matters, how it will be supported and which observations support the choice.

Methodology configuration

Use the relationship, user-research and business records already maintained by your team. Use Methodology configuration to map terms, records and reviews to your own approach.

Use the customer example, then adapt the customer record to distinguish the learner, payer and representative and record whose needs have been examined.

About this edition

Refreshed for the September 2026 website update. This edition develops the earlier Architecture Portal and ASAF material; the fictional worked example was added in 2026.

Scope, limitations and next checks

Status and accountability

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Status

In development

Last reviewed

Intended users

  • Architects comparing and adapting their existing approach

Non-goals

  • Prescribing a mandatory method or claiming measured benefits

Limitations

  • Guidance illustrated by a fictional example; proposed designs and checks have not been implemented or run.

Next evidence sought

  • Review the guidance and try its records with a practising architect.