Modelling large-scale information systems using ADLs – An industrial experience report

•We report on the experience gained using an ADL to model a large information system.•Specialised ADL can have benefits over a general modelling language like UML.•The ADL's graphical notation plays an important role in its adoption and acceptance.•Familiar tool support and availability of guide material directly impact uptake.

An organisation that had developed a large information system wanted to embark on a programme that would involve large-scale evolution of it. As a precursor to this, it was decided to create a comprehensive architectural description to capture and understand the system's design. This undertaking faced a number of challenges, including a low general awareness of software modelling and software architecture practices. The approach taken by the software architects tasked with this project included the definition of a simple, very specific, architecture description language. This paper reports our experience of the project and a simple ADL that we created as part of it.