Delivered a comprehensive data modernisation strategy for the University of Technology Sydney, conducting 70+ stakeholder interviews and producing narrative storyboards that made abstract data concepts tangible. Subcontracted through TASNIX to lead the architecture engagement.
Context
Australian universities face mounting pressure - financial constraints, shifting student expectations, growing competition, and the transformative potential of AI. Making data available at the point of decision-making is no longer optional. It is the foundation for personalised experiences, operational efficiency, and institutional competitiveness.
UTS engaged TASNIX, a strategy and architecture consulting firm, to develop a data sharing architecture strategy positioning the university for seven years of transformation. I was subcontracted by TASNIX to lead the architecture engagement.
Key Outcomes
Research & Engagement
- • 70+ stakeholder interviews across the institution
- • Academics, researchers, IT, admin staff, and executives
- • Issues synthesised across multiple dimensions
Strategy & Deliverables
- • Future state data architecture with data mesh and data fabric
- • Narrative storyboards bringing the vision to life
- • Four strategic proof of concepts
- • Decision-focused roadmap
The Challenge
The university's data landscape had grown organically over time, creating fragmented systems and complex integration patterns. Leadership had a clear vision: make data available at the point of decision-making, enable AI capabilities, and democratise access - all while maintaining robust governance.
They needed a strategy that could bridge the gap between ambitious vision and practical reality.
My Approach
Extensive Stakeholder Engagement
I conducted 70+ interviews across the institution - engaging academics, researchers, IT teams, administrative staff, and executive leadership. This went beyond the traditional IT scope to capture the full breadth of challenges and aspirations across the organisation.
Issue Synthesis
I analysed and categorised issues across multiple dimensions - data management, user experience, interoperability, technology debt, and security - identifying patterns and root causes that informed the strategy.
Collaborative Transparency
Stakeholders had access to working drafts throughout the process. This transparent approach built buy-in and enabled insights to feed into related strategic initiatives across the organisation.
What I Delivered
Future State Data Architecture
I designed a modern data architecture incorporating contemporary patterns:
- →Data mesh concepts with decentralised, autonomous data domains
- →Data as a product thinking with clear ownership models
- →Self-service data platforms for democratised access
- →Federated governance with transparent guardrails
- →AI-ready infrastructure to support emerging capabilities
Narrative Storyboards
Rather than traditional architecture documentation, I created narrative storyboards - stories that brought the future state to life by showing what day-to-day experiences could look like for students and staff. These scenarios made abstract data concepts tangible and built genuine excitement for the transformation.
Strategic Proof of Concepts
I designed four proof of concepts to allow the university to explore and test modern approaches before committing to major investments. Each PoC included defined learning outcomes, success criteria, and technology considerations.
Decision-Focused Roadmap
Rather than a traditional implementation roadmap that quickly becomes outdated, I created a decision roadmap - focused on the key strategic choices the organisation needed to make, with practical recommendations for training, communication, and change management.
What Made This Different
This wasn't a typical architecture engagement that delivers a technical document and walks away.
Storytelling Over Specification
I brought the future state to life through narrative scenarios that resonated with non-technical stakeholders - helping them see the why, not just the what.
Decisions Over Destinations
The roadmap focused on the choices leadership needed to make, acknowledging that priorities shift and detailed plans quickly become outdated.
Transparency Over Big Reveals
Working collaboratively throughout meant stakeholders shaped the outcomes and owned the vision.
Skills Applied
Client Testimonial
Margaret Codner
Head of Architecture
University of Technology Sydney
“Vin was a pleasure to work with and brought a dynamic, positive energy to our combined team. His combination of innovative thinking, deep technical knowledge and industry understanding produced an impressive visionary strategy we can take forward. More than just a technology strategy and future...
Mimi Chattopadhyay
Managing Director
TASNIX
“I am thrilled to recommend Vin Ralh, an exceptional architect and innovative thinker. In our time working together, Vin has consistently delivered creative solutions to complex technical challenges, often proposing unconventional yet effective ideas. Vin possesses a deep understanding of...