Maximizing Software Value: Best Practices for System Definition
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Importance of System Definition Stage
- Identifying Core Areas of the Application
- Modeling the Core Part
- Building a Business Case
- Adopting a Product Mindset
- Anticipating Future Changes
- Separating Business Problems from Technical Concerns
- Dealing with Legacy Systems
- Creating a Domain Model
- Best Practices for Domain Modeling
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this video series, we will explore the business impact of using software and discuss the best practices during the system definition stage of a project. This stage plays a crucial role in shaping the software's effectiveness and ensuring that the right areas of the application receive proper attention and investments. By understanding how to identify and model the core parts of the software deeply, we can maximize its value. Let's delve into the details.
Importance of System Definition Stage
Not all parts of the problem space are equal when it comes to software development. Some areas of the application are more important than others and require greater emphasis. Spreading efforts and quality evenly throughout the entire system can result in a loss of focus on the parts that truly impact the business. By identifying these crucial areas, we can ensure that they receive the attention and investments they deserve.
Identifying Core Areas of the Application
To determine the core part of the application, we need to understand what is essential for the success of the business. This requires a deep understanding of the application and its criticality. Building a business case around the value of the core part helps demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of the software. It is important to gain consensus from software sponsors to validate the significance of the core part and secure long-term support.
Modeling the Core Part
The core part of the application gives the company a competitive edge. However, it is not always obvious to identify what is core to the business. By collaborating with business specialists and technical experts, a shared understanding can be reached. This understanding is then captured in the form of a system model called the domain model. The domain model represents the complex logic and policies in the problem space, binding abstract analysis to actual code implementation.
Building a Business Case
In order to ensure that the software delivers the value expected by the business, it is crucial to build a strong business case. This business case needs to be socialized with software sponsors to validate its significance and create commitment and long-term support for the software. If there is no consensus on the business criticality of the identified core part, the focus should be on minimizing features, efforts, and costs to facilitate quick learning and validation of the idea.
Adopting a Product Mindset
By approaching the core part of the application with a product mindset, it receives constant care and attention. This allows it to evolve better over time and meet the changing needs of the business. It is important not to be obsessive about achieving perfection in the core part initially but instead to iteratively improve it through future enhancements until it can no longer be enriched.
Anticipating Future Changes
Understanding that the core part of the application will change over time is crucial. As the understanding of the problem space evolves, there will be a need for future changes. Therefore, it is important to leave room for these changes when defining the requirements. Concentrating all efforts on solving the business problems and avoiding mixing them with technical concerns ensures that the software remains agile and adaptable.
Separating Business Problems from Technical Concerns
When defining the domain model, it is important to focus on the complex and critical aspects of the core part. Avoid getting entangled in unnecessary technical concerns like security audits or trails. If integration with a poorly designed legacy system is necessary, it is advisable to create a clean boundary around the legacy system to prevent imperfections from spreading to new areas of the application.
Dealing with Legacy Systems
Legacy systems often pose challenges in software development. When working with a legacy system or integrating with it, it is recommended to avoid fixing issues in the legacy codebase. This prevents distractions from the actual goal and saves valuable time. The domain model should remain free of technical complexities and solely focus on solving the business problem at hand.
Creating a Domain Model
The domain model is a powerful tool for evaluating the business impact and vision of the software. It represents the complex logic and policies in the problem space and guides the development of the software. By engaging with business specialists and using concrete scenarios, the domain model can be effectively communicated and refined.
Best Practices for Domain Modeling
When creating a domain model, it is important to spend equal time in the problem space as in the solution space. This allows for a better understanding of the stakeholders' vision and leads to a more effective solution. Using a context map, boundaries can be defined and contact points established between different parts of the problem space. This reveals issues with communication and workflows, further enhancing the model.
Conclusion
In this video, we explored the best practices for defining and modeling the core part of the software. By identifying the core areas and building a strong business case, we can ensure that the software delivers the desired business impact. Adopting a product mindset and anticipating future changes enables the software to evolve and meet the evolving needs of the business. By separating business problems from technical concerns and creating a domain model, we can effectively capture the complex logic and policies of the problem space.
