YaWorks applied a transparent and collaborative work method designed to keep all stakeholders aligned throughout the project. Drafts were shared early, feedback loops were short, and all deliverables were developed in close partnership with team members involved. This created ownership, trust, and momentum from the start.
To manage scope and complexity, we structured the engagement around six key deliverables: the infrastructure vision, four domain architectures (hosting, digital identities, connectivity, and workplace), and a consolidated roadmap. Each deliverable followed the same structured process and was developed in close collaboration with the relevant domain experts including management, architects, product owners, and engineers.
Each domain followed a four-workshop cycle:
1. Kick-off & as-is analysis: We launched the project, clarified expectations, and gathered input on the current state. We outlined how we would collaborate and what review and involvement was expected.
2. Strategic direction: In this workshop, we validated the processed findings from the first session and co-developed the initial strategic directions for the domain.
3. Architecture design: We refined the strategic direction, introduced first drafts of architecture principles and the modular service architecture, and jointly identified initiatives needed to realize the vision.
4. Final validation: We walked through the complete architecture, including all refinements, for final feedback and agreement.
Every workshop began by validating the processed output of the previous one, ensuring continuity and alignment. In parallel, we kept close contact with each team to address questions or tensions as they emerged, often resolving issues together in focused working sessions. This structure enabled deep involvement while keeping the project predictable and efficient.
HU emphasized the way of working as one of the key reasons the project succeeded. YaWorks was not just brought in to deliver documents, we were there to bridge the gap between vision and reality. By embedding change and adoption directly into the process, we ensured that the architecture would not only land, but last.
We worked side by side with both strategic stakeholders and operational teams. From management to product owners, architects and engineers, we brought together different worlds that often remain disconnected in infrastructure projects. Through structured collaboration, shared ownership, and a high level of transparency, we helped all parties understand and participate in the architecture development, strategic choices, and roadmap to create one shared vision.
Our ability to translate between strategy and execution in a way that resonates with everyone from engineers to leadership is what made the difference. Teams didn’t just receive a new architecture. They were part of building it. Because they were actively involved throughout, they now recognize it as their own.
That sense of ownership is what transformed the architecture from an abstract plan into a living framework. One that is understood, supported, and ready to be put into action. What stood out to HU was not just the quality of the architecture, but the collaborative journey that made it truly sustainable.
- Cost efficiency: A unified hybrid hosting landscape and FinOps practice will simplify operations, reduce complexity, and enable future cost savings.
- Improved security & compliance: Embedding structural improvements to strengthen security and raise SURF compliance levels including governance, access control, and data classification across all domains. This is supported by a dual security model that keeps HU’s academic environment open, yet protected.
- Greater agility: Standardized building blocks and service models will allow teams faster access to technology, enabling quicker experimentation and innovation in education and research.
- Student and staff flexibility: A modern workplace architecture enabling support for hybrid learning, remote access to exams and applications, and seamless digital experiences across locations.
- Future-proof identity: Integration of EduID into HU’s identity ecosystem will enable students to retain one digital identity across institutions and throughout their learning journey.
HU now has a prioritized roadmap and multiple strategic scenarios that guide execution over the coming years. The architecture delivers the foundation, coherence, and direction needed to realize these outcomes.