A method and system for developing a conceptual model to facilitate generating a business-aligned information technology (IT) solution. Requirements of the IT solution are defined. A conceptual model is developed by business and IT stakeholders. The conceptual model represents an IT solution design and includes systems, conceptual components and operational concepts. The conceptual components represent hardware components and software components of the IT solution. The operational concepts indicate interactions among the conceptual components that are needed to perform business functions. A computing system generates documentation of the conceptual model. The documentation is available and accessible to the business and IT stakeholders and includes documentation of the operational concepts. The architecture and design of the IT solution is developed along with related documentation.