/c4-architecture

Produce clear, audience-appropriate architecture documentation using the C4 model with Mer.

Produce clear, audience-appropriate architecture documentation using the C4 model with Mermaid diagrams and traceable narrative context.

Goal

Produce clear, audience-appropriate architecture documentation using the C4 model with Mermaid diagrams and traceable narrative context.

Scope

Applies to

+Generate C4 architecture diagrams
+Document system architecture with Mermaid
+Create context/container/component views

Does not cover

−Trivial changes outside the workflow domain

Triggers

"Generate C4 architecture diagrams""Document system architecture with Mermaid""Create context/container/component views""Produce deployment architecture documentation"

Inputs

→Context: environment/system affected
→Scope: change boundary
→Constraints: policy or hard rules

Invariants

01Context and container views are baseline deliverables unless explicitly out of scope.
02Diagram detail must match audience needs and avoid unnecessary complexity.
03Labels and relationships must be explicit, directional, and technology-aware.
04Generated docs must remain maintainable and linked to evidence sources.

Procedure

Step 1Step 1 — **Define scope and audience**
Step 2Step 2 — **Collect architecture evidence**
Step 3Step 3 — **Draft C4 diagrams**
Step 4Step 4 — **Apply diagram quality rules**
Step 5Step 5 — **Document narrative context**
Step 6Step 6 — **Publish architecture artifacts**

Outputs

▸C4 architecture markdown artifacts with Mermaid diagrams.
▸Context and container baseline documentation.
▸Optional component/deployment/dynamic views by audience need.
▸Assumption and gap notes for follow-up.

Review Gate

[ ]Context and container diagrams exist and are coherent.
[ ]Diagram level/depth matches intended audience.
[ ]Relationships and technology labels are explicit and accurate.
[ ]Documentation includes narrative context and assumptions.
[ ]Output paths and naming are consistent.