A short paragraph or bullet list that quickly explains what you're trying to do.
2 Motivation
What motivates this proposal and why is it important?
Here we aim to get comfortable articulating the value of our actions.
3 Proposed Implementation
This is the core of your proposal, and its purpose is to help you think through the problem because writing is thinking.
Consider:
using diagrams to help illustrate your ideas.
including code examples if you're proposing an interface or system contract.
linking to project briefs or wireframes that are relevant.
4 Metrics & Dashboards
What are the main metrics we should be measuring? For example, when interacting with an external system, it might be the external system latency. When adding a new table, how fast would it fill up?
5 Drawbacks
Are there any reasons why we should not do this? Here we aim to evaluate risk and check ourselves.
6 Alternatives
What are other ways of achieving the same outcome?
7 Potential Impact and Dependencies
Here we aim to be mindful of our environment and generate empathy towards others who may be impacted by our decisions.
For example:
What other systems or teams are affected by this proposal?
How could this be exploited by malicious attackers?
8 Unresolved questions
What parts of the proposal are still being defined, or not covered by this proposal?
9 Conclusion
Here we briefly outline why this is the right decision to make at this time, and move forward!
10 RFC Process Guide, remove this section when done
By writing an RFC, you're giving insight to your team on the direction you're taking. There may not be a right or better decision in many cases, but we will likely learn from it. By authoring, you're making a decision on where you want us to go and are looking for feedback on this direction from your team members, but ultimately the decision is yours.
This document is a:
thinking exercise, prototype with words.
historical record, its value may decrease over time.
way to broadcast information.
mechanism to build trust.
tool to empower.
communication channel.
This document is not:
a request for permission.
the most up to date representation of any process or system
1 Executive Summary
2 Motivation
3 Proposed Implementation
4 Metrics & Dashboards
5 Drawbacks
6 Alternatives
7 Potential Impact and Dependencies
8 Unresolved questions
9 Conclusion
10 RFC Process Guide, remove this section when done