Eberhard Wolff - There is no such thing as future-proof architecture! Here is how to prepare for it.

#1about 2 minutes

The myth of future-proof software architecture

The common belief that architecture should be future-proof is a flawed conclusion drawn from the fact that architectural decisions are hard to change.

#2about 3 minutes

A case study of a failed migration project

A real-world project failed because the team discovered their initial migration plan was flawed only after the project began, highlighting the danger of rigid upfront plans.

#3about 3 minutes

Why architecture must evolve iteratively

Architecture must be iterative because domain models evolve, requirements change, and developers continuously learn and improve their skills.

#4about 3 minutes

Starting projects with domain prototyping

Instead of over-planning, start with domain prototyping to focus on business logic first and defer technology decisions to the last responsible moment.

#5about 6 minutes

Moving beyond YAGNI with a goal-oriented approach

While YAGNI was a useful counter to big upfront design, a better approach is to navigate immediate requirements while always keeping the long-term project goal in view.

#6about 5 minutes

The danger of a future-proof mindset

Aiming for a future-proof architecture creates a reluctance to make necessary changes, leading to a messy system as new features are forced into an outdated structure.

#7about 4 minutes

Letting the business domain drive the design

Effective architecture is not about abstract technical diagrams but about creating a structure that clearly reflects the business domain and its processes.

#8about 3 minutes

A pragmatic view on technology choices

Preparing for technology changes by creating technology-independent code is often unnecessary, as major technology shifts usually coincide with required changes to the business logic.

#9about 2 minutes

Conclusion: Embrace change and focus on the domain

The key to long-term project success is not a future-proof plan but an adaptable architecture that is driven by the domain and accepts the limited lifespan of technologies.

12 days ago

(Senior) Product Owner (w/m/d)