Watchtower-Course-Project

ADR 0001: Initial WatchTower Architecture

This ADR is embedded below for reference. Consider moving to a separate file (ADR-0001.md) for clarity.

Status

Proposed

Context

WatchTower is a lightweight observability system for tracking frontend errors, performance signals, user feedback, and deployment/build-related signals.

For Sprint 1, we need a simple architecture that allows us to prototype quickly while staying within course constraints.

Decision

We will begin with a lightweight static web application prototype using HTML, CSS, and vanilla JavaScript. We will use mock JSON data and browser APIs to simulate event collection. The prototype will include:

• A dashboard page
• A test/demo page
• Error capture prototype
• Performance capture prototype
• Feedback capture prototype
• Mock event data

Consequences

This approach keeps the project simple, easy to deploy, and easier for all team members to understand. It also allows us to demonstrate the core WatchTower concept before adding complexity.

Alternatives Considered

• React-based frontend – Would add build complexity and require more setup
• Node.js backend – Would require database and deployment infrastructure
• External charting libraries – Would add dependency management overhead
• Full database integration – Not needed for prototype validation

These may be considered later only if approved and justified.