The method is based on creating a visual representation of the system, using sticky notes or digital tools to represent events, actions, and actors. The workshop is typically facilitated by a facilitator and attended by representatives from different areas of the organization, such as business, development, and operations. The goal is to create a shared understanding of the system and identify improvement or change opportunities.

Set of rules

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Event Storming follows a set of rules that help guide the workshop and ensure a productive outcome. Here are a few key rules:

Start with the business goal

Before beginning the workshop, it's important to have a clear understanding of the business goal or problem that you're trying to solve. This will help guide the workshop and ensure that the team stays focused on the important issues.

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Use sticky notes

The visual nature of Event Storming is an important aspect of the method. Using sticky notes or digital tools to represent events, actions, and actors helps to create a visual representation of the system and makes it easier for the team to understand and discuss the system.

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Involve multiple perspectives

Event Storming is most effective when it involves representatives from different areas of the organization. This helps to ensure that different perspectives are taken into account and that the team is able to identify potential issues or opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

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Keep it simple

Event Storming is not about creating a detailed, technical representation of the system. Instead, it's about creating a simple, high-level view that helps the team understand the flow of events and interactions within the system.

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Focus on the flow of events

The goal of Event Storming is to understand the flow of events and interactions within the system. This helps to identify potential areas for improvement or optimization and can help the team identify new opportunities for change or innovation.

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Cons of Event Storming

Event Storming is a powerful method for exploring and discovering complex systems, but like any method, it also has some limitations and potential downsides. Here are a few cons to consider:

Time-consuming

Event Storming workshops can be quite time-consuming, especially if the system or process being explored is complex. It requires a significant investment of time from the team and the facilitator.

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Requires a skilled facilitator

Event Storming is most effective when it is facilitated by someone with experience and skill in leading these types of workshops. Without a skilled facilitator, the workshop may not be as productive or effective.

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May not be suitable for all types of systems

Event Storming is most effective when applied to complex, event-driven systems, such as business processes or software systems. It may not be as effective when applied to other types of systems, such as physical systems or systems with very simple interactions.

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May not be suitable for all teams

Event Storming requires a high level of collaboration and communication among team members, so it may not be suitable for all teams or organizations.

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Limited to a single point in time

The workshop is a snapshot of the current state, it may not be able to capture the whole picture or evolution of the system. The team may miss important events or interactions that are not currently visible.

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Pros of Event Storming

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Here are a few pros to consider:

Creates a shared understanding

Event Storming helps create a shared understanding of the system among the team members, which can be difficult to achieve using other methods. By visualizing the flow of events and interactions, team members can see the system from different perspectives and identify potential areas for improvement or optimization.

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Identifies opportunities for improvement

Event Storming is specifically designed to identify opportunities for improvement or change in the system. By understanding the flow of events and interactions, team members can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or other problems that can be addressed.

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Encourages collaboration and communication

Event Storming is a highly collaborative method that encourages team members to work together and communicate effectively. This can help build a strong sense of teamwork and improve the overall effectiveness of the organization.

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Can be applied to different domains

Event Storming can be applied to a wide range of systems and domains, including business processes, software systems, and organizational structures.

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Can be done remotely

Event storming can be done remotely via digital tools, which allows teams to work together regardless of location, and it can be done in a virtual environment which may be more comfortable and flexible for the team members.

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Can be used as a documentation tool

The visual representation created during the workshop can be used as a documentation tool, and it can be used as a reference to keep track of the system evolution.

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About Mariusz Gil

Architect and ex-CTO focused on high performance and scalable web applications. Trainer, consultant and conference speaker.

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👉 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariuszgil/

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