DECISION: [ADR-001] Synthesized Methodology Over Single Framework
DATE: 2026-02-18
TYPE: 1 (irreversible)
STATUS: Accepted
SOLITON SCORE: 0.85

## Context

Orxaq operates at the intersection of causal inference, credit risk regulation,
and production software engineering. Each domain has established frameworks, but
no single framework addresses all three simultaneously.

## Options Considered

### Option A: Adopt DORA Alone
Pros: Empirically validated, industry standard, strong metrics.
Cons: No causal modeling support, weak on regulatory compliance documentation.

### Option B: Adopt NASA SE Handbook Alone
Pros: Mission-critical rigor, strong auditability, failure mode analysis.
Cons: Heavy process overhead, poor agility, not software-native.

### Option C: Adopt Zachman Framework Alone
Pros: Completeness guarantee, multi-perspective coverage.
Cons: No process model, no metrics, no iteration cadence.

### Option D: Synthesize Best-of-Breed (selected)
Pros: Covers all 5 scoring axes, tailored to domain, self-improving.
Cons: Higher initial design cost, no external community to rely on.

## Decision

Synthesize 7 practices from 12 evaluated frameworks (see ADR-000).

## Rationale

The scoring matrix in ADR-000 shows no framework exceeds 39/50. Synthesis
achieves coverage across all axes by selecting the strongest practice from
each framework for each axis:
- ADRs for auditability (9/10)
- DORA for measurement (8/10 agility)
- SpaceX for iteration velocity (9/10 agility)
- NASA for safety rigor (9/10 audit)
- Zachman for completeness (7/10 causal)

## Consequences

**Easier:** Full coverage of causal, regulatory, agility, audit, and scale axes.
**Harder:** No single reference community; must maintain the synthesis ourselves.
