A practical introduction to Domain Storytelling - Haimanot Tekie - NDC Oslo 2026

A practical introduction to Domain Storytelling - Haimanot Tekie - NDC Oslo 2026

by Haimanot Tekie · View the channel on PSI

Applied Sciences & Engineering Computing & Cybersecurity UMComputer programmingUMZSoftware Engineering
🎙 Haimanot Tekie 👥 230K 📅 October 13, 2026 ⏱ 42 min 👁 5 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-10-13
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

Domain Storytellingdomain modelingcross-functional teamsworkshopsNAV

Summary

The talk begins with the common pain point of developers feeling lost in meetings with domain experts, leading to a discussion of Domain Storytelling, a collaborative modeling technique. The speaker, Haimanot Tekie, explains the method’s core elements: actors, activities, work objects, annotations, and sequence numbers, emphasizing its scenario-based and narrative nature. She outlines three scope dimensions—granularity, time frame, and domain purity—that help focus the story. A real-world case from NAV is presented: modernizing a payment reporting system, where the team used Domain Storytelling to map the workflow of an employer searching for a K27 report. This exercise clarified connections, exposed hidden tools like Beta View, and transformed abstract requirements into tangible pain points. The speaker also recounts using the technique with developers to understand technical landscapes, producing diagrams that captured system interactions. She shares lessons learned: the need for a concrete story and the right participants, and the importance of keeping groups small to avoid digressions. The talk concludes with practical advice on applying the technique immediately, emphasizing that the process builds shared understanding beyond the final diagram.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of this presentation lies in its practical, experience-based approach. The speaker does not merely describe the technique but demonstrates its application through a detailed case study, showing how it resolves real-world confusion and improves collaboration. The argumentation is strong because it is grounded in personal success and failures, making the advice credible and actionable. The step-by-step walkthrough of the K27 scenario illustrates the method’s simplicity and power, and the second example with other developers reinforces its versatility. The talk effectively argues that understanding the domain is more critical than technical complexity, and Domain Storytelling provides a lightweight, accessible way to achieve that understanding.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is moderate; the talk is based on a recognized practice within the software engineering community, but no formal research is cited. The speaker references the book ‘Domain Storytelling’ by Stefan Hopper and Henning Schwentner, which is a reputable source, and mentions a JavaZone talk without providing a citation. The quality of sources is good, as the method itself is well-documented. The title accurately matches the content, promising a practical introduction and delivering exactly that. No comments were provided for analysis.

203 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: it is a practical introduction to Domain Storytelling, with concrete examples and step-by-step guidance.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The talk presents a well-established modeling technique, supported by real-world examples from a large public organization. The speaker demonstrates practical experience and provides actionable advice.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • NDC Conferences — Official conference website where the talk was hosted.
  • NDC Oslo — Official page for NDC Oslo conference.

Concurring Sources

  • Domain Storytelling: A Partnering Process for Managing Complexity — Book by Stefan Hopper and Henning Schwentner, referenced in the talk as the basis for the method.

External References

Contribution & Novelties

The talk provides a practical, real-world illustration of Domain Storytelling, showing how it can be used both with domain experts and with developers to build shared understanding. The original contribution is the detailed case study at NAV, including the discovery of hidden tools and the improvement in team collaboration. The speaker shares concrete advice on facilitation and common pitfalls, making it immediately applicable.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Domain Storytelling — The official website for the method, with resources and references.
  • Event Storming — A related collaborative modeling technique for exploring complex domains.
  • Domain-Driven Design — A foundational approach to software modeling that complements Domain Storytelling.

106 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quality (8) and reliability (8), with lower quantity (7) and technical depth (6). This indicates that the content is of high quality and trustworthy, but not overly dense or highly technical, fitting its purpose as a practical introduction.

Reliability 8/10