Bridge the gap between business needs and technical implementation with Domain-Driven Design (DDD)

DDD is a collaborative approach that puts the heart of your business, the domain, at the center.

When it comes to complex software projects, bridging the gap between business needs and technical implementation is crucial. But it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating services, codebases, or even team names with your actual domain. This can lead to disconnects and missed opportunities.

That’s where Domain-Driven Design (DDD) comes in. It’s not just about code patterns – DDD is a collaborative approach that puts the heart of your business, the domain, at the center. Here’s why it matters:

From Teams to Domains

Your team structure might reflect functions or delivery units, but those aren’t necessarily the same as your core business domains. DDD encourages a deeper understanding of your domain – the key concepts, boundaries, and workflows that define your product or service.

Business first, code second

DDD isn’t the responsitibility of developers. It requires a collaborative effort, bringing in product managers, policy and domain experts, and developers alike. By focusing on the business context first, you can ensure your technical decisions align with real-world needs.

The power of face to face and physical workshopping

Don’t rush to digitise your domain model. Often, the best initial format is… a whiteboard! Collaborative sessions, like Event Storming, can be incredibly effective. Imagine walking through a customer journey on a physical model, identifying events, systems, and people involved. It’s interactive, inclusive, and keeps the focus on core concepts, not tooling.

Embrace the evolution of your domain

A healthy domain model is a living, breathing thing. It will adapt as your business evolves and new features emerge. Don’t get hung up on the idea of a “finished” model – a constantly refined one is far more valuable.

Start with Event storming

Event Storming can be your best friend here. By collaboratively mapping out a customer journey, you’ll identify the key pieces of your domain puzzle. Remember, DDD is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous collaboration and a willingness to adapt as your domain evolves.

Interested in learning more? Check out these resources:

  • DDD at Scale: https://medium.com/withbetterco/using-domain-driven-design-9790966b42e0
  • Make DDD Accessible: https://domainstorytelling.org/