Track:   Architecture Quality (day 1)

Abstract: Some design decisions have an impact on the trajectory of the whole project. Modeling is most needed in complex circumstances, yet the typical dynamics of large projects too often derail it or disconnect it from the real design. This talk delves into techniques for clarifying the big picture, getting effort focused on the core, and coordinating multi-team development -- specifically, the strategic design principles of Domain-Driven Design; Context mapping is a pragmatic approach to dealing with diverse models and designs on real projects. Distilling the core domain is a simple technique for focusing effort where it matters most and clarifying the vision of the system. Together, these are powerful tools to guide decision making at many levels, from key coding choices to long-range product vision.