Event Storming
Created by Alberto Brandolini, Event Storming is a collaborative modelling workshop that brings together developers and domain experts to explore a complex business domain at speed. Participants model a system or business process by placing colour-coded sticky notes on a timeline: orange for domain events (things that happen), blue for commands (what triggers them), yellow for actors, and red for hotspots (areas of confusion or conflict).
How to run it
- 1
Set up a very long continuous paper surface (6–10 metres of wall space).
- 2
Explain the colour coding: orange = domain events (past tense: 'Order Placed', 'Payment Failed'), blue = commands, yellow = actors/users, red = hotspots (questions, conflicts).
- 3
Start with chaotic exploration: everyone simultaneously places orange events on the timeline without structure.
- 4
Sort events into chronological order. Discuss and resolve conflicts.
- 5
Add commands (what triggers each event?) and actors (who issues the command?).
- 6
Place red hotspot notes wherever there is confusion, disagreement, or missing information.
- 7
Cluster events into bounded contexts — these become the system boundaries.
- 8
Use hotspots as input for follow-up design sessions.
Tips
The mess is part of the process — the first pass will be chaotic.
That's correct.
Hotspots are the most valuable output: they mark the places where assumptions haven't been tested.
Include both domain experts and technical staff — the mix is essential.',
Variations
Run a 'Big Picture' Event Storming (whole business) before a 'Process Level' session (single flow). Use digitally with colour-coded cards in Miro for distributed teams.
Where it fits
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