Object Types
Every object in DesignFoundry belongs to exactly one object type. The type determines which properties are available, how the object renders in diagrams, and what relationships it can form.
Built-in ArchiMate Types
DesignFoundry ships with these built-in types organized by ArchiMate layer:
Business Layer
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Actor | An individual or group that performs business behavior |
| Business Role | A responsibility performed by a business actor |
| Business Service | A service exposed by the business layer |
| Business Process | A sequence of business behaviors achieving a specific outcome |
| Business Function | A collection of business behaviors |
| Business Object | A concept of lasting interest to the business |
Application Layer
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Component | A modular part of a software system |
| Application Interface | A means of accessing an application service |
| Application Service | A service exposed by the application layer |
| Data Object | A data structure used by application components |
Technology Layer
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Node | A computational resource (hardware or software) |
| Technology Service | A service exposed by the technology layer |
| Communication Path | A link between nodes enabling information exchange |
| Artifact | A physical piece of data or software |
| Technology Function | A functional building block of the technology layer |
Custom Object Types
Content packs can add custom object types. When a content pack is activated, its object types appear alongside the built-in ones with a distinct color badge.
Extending Object Types with Custom Fields
Beyond the standard properties, you can add custom fields (called extensions) to any object type via content packs. See Extensions & Custom Fields for details.