From Challenges to Success: Adapting to Domain-Driven Design in Mobile App Development
By Justin Vo, Senior Software Engineer at Groove Technology
In mobile app development, we often face not just technical challenges but also the need to align the software with the client’s specific business goals. One such challenge I faced was adapting to Domain-Driven Design (DDD) in a project for a manufacturing management system. It wasn’t just about learning a new methodology; it was about transforming how I approached development altogether.
Through this experience, I not only gained a deeper understanding of how DDD can streamline workflows but also learned valuable lessons about overcoming its challenges. In this blog, I’ll share my personal journey of adapting to DDD—what worked, what didn’t, and how it reshaped the way I think about software development.
01. Why Domain-Driven Design Was the Turning Point
When I first encountered DDD, I’ll admit it felt a bit overwhelming. It’s not just about writing code—it’s about understanding the business domain deeply enough to model it accurately in the system. For the manufacturing management system I worked on, this meant creating software that could handle everything from inventory tracking to production scheduling, all while aligning with the client’s industry-specific processes.
What makes DDD so powerful is its ability to connect the technical side of development with the business side. By focusing on core domains, using bounded contexts, and building a shared ubiquitous language, DDD ensures that what we build truly solves the client’s problems. It’s not just about delivering features; it’s about delivering value.
02. How DDD Changed My Approach to Development
2.1 Shifting My Perspective from Code to Business Logic
Before DDD, my approach to development was heavily technical. I focused on optimizing performance, writing clean code, and delivering features. But DDD forced me to think differently. Instead of starting with the code, I started with the business logic.
In the manufacturing project, this meant understanding how processes like “order batching” and “inventory allocation” worked in the real world. Only then did I begin designing the software. This shift helped me avoid unnecessary complexity and ensured that the system met the client’s actual needs.
2.2 Collaborating Across Teams to Define the Domain
DDD taught me the importance of collaboration. To model the domain accurately, I worked closely with domain experts, business analysts, and even end-users. Together, we mapped out workflows, identified key events, and created a shared vocabulary.
A Lesson in Communication:
In one session, I realized that the term “production cycle” meant different things to the client and the developers. By clarifying this through discussions and visual tools like EventStorming, we avoided major misunderstandings later on.
2.3 Building Confidence with Prototypes
Adapting to a new methodology is one thing, but convincing a client that it’s the right approach is another. To build trust, I created prototypes for critical features, demonstrating how DDD would enhance functionality and scalability.
For instance, I built a prototype of the “inventory adjustment” module, showing how the software could handle real-time changes without disrupting other processes. This not only reassured the client but also gave the team a clear direction for implementation.
03. The Hidden Benefits of Domain-Driven Design
3.1 Reducing Complexity in Large Systems
One of the biggest surprises was how much DDD simplified the system. By dividing the application into bounded contexts, each representing a specific domain, we reduced dependencies between modules. This made the code easier to manage and maintain.
For example, separating “Inventory Tracking” from “Production Scheduling” allowed us to update one without risking regressions in the other. It’s like having clearly labeled drawers in a toolbox—you always know where to find what you need.
3.2 Improving Workflow Clarity
With DDD, every piece of code is tied to a specific business function. This clarity made it easier for the team to understand how their work fit into the bigger picture. It also reduced the time spent on debugging because the code was inherently more organized.
3.3 Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships
By involving stakeholders in the domain modeling process, we created a sense of ownership and alignment. The client felt like a true partner in the development process, which strengthened our relationship and led to better outcomes.
04. The Challenges of Adapting to DDD
4.1 Learning the Methodology
DDD isn’t something you pick up overnight. It took time to understand concepts like aggregates, entities, and bounded contexts. For junior team members, this was especially challenging.
How We Overcame It:
I organized team workshops where we practiced modeling simple domains. These sessions not only accelerated learning but also fostered collaboration.
4.2 Balancing DDD with Deadlines
Modeling the domain thoroughly can feel like it slows down the project, especially in the early stages. The pressure to deliver quickly often conflicts with the need for careful planning.
Solution:
We started with a minimal viable model for the most critical domain, delivering incremental value while refining the model over time.
4.3 Dependence on Domain Experts
Without domain experts, accurately modeling the core domain is nearly impossible. But securing their time and input isn’t always easy.
How We Managed:
We scheduled regular check-ins with the client’s manufacturing managers and documented their inputs meticulously. This created a repository of knowledge that the team could reference throughout the project.
05. Practical Tips for Developers Adapting to DDD
Adopting Domain-Driven Design can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing tight deadlines and evolving client requirements. Here are the strategies that worked for me, along with examples from real-world scenarios to help you navigate the process:
5.1 Start with the Core Domain and Keep It Small
Focus your efforts on the part of the system that delivers the most business value—the core domain. However, don’t try to tackle the entire domain in one go. Start with a small, manageable feature within the core domain and expand as you gain confidence.
Example:
In the manufacturing project, we identified “Production Scheduling” as the core domain because it directly influenced the client’s efficiency and costs. Instead of designing the entire scheduling module upfront, we focused on implementing a feature to handle batch scheduling. This allowed us to deliver immediate value while learning and refining our approach.
5.2 Use Visual Tools to Model Domains Collaboratively
DDD is inherently collaborative. Use tools like EventStorming, Miro, or Lucidchart to visualize workflows, map domain events, and identify bounded contexts. This not only helps you understand the domain better but also aligns the entire team.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Example:
In our project, we used EventStorming sessions with the client’s manufacturing team to map out key events such as “Order Arrival,” “Production Start,” and “Inventory Restocking.” Seeing the workflow visually made it easier to identify potential bottlenecks and design solutions collaboratively.
5.3 Document Everything for Continuity and Clarity
Create a knowledge base for domain models, key decisions, and terminology. Tools like Confluence are excellent for maintaining this repository. Clear documentation ensures that the entire team—present and future—can understand the domain without having to rely on memory or verbal explanations.
Example:
We documented every term we defined during modeling sessions, such as “production batch” and “assembly cycle.” This served as a reference for both the development team and the client, reducing misunderstandings and rework.
5.4 Prioritize Communication with Stakeholders
One of the pillars of DDD is the ubiquitous language, which ensures that everyone—developers, domain experts, and clients—speaks the same language. Regular communication is key to developing and refining this shared vocabulary.
Example:
During a sprint review, we realized that the client and the team had different interpretations of “cycle time.” By addressing this discrepancy early, we aligned our understanding and avoided a significant mismatch in expectations.
5.5 Automate Wherever Possible
DDD can involve repetitive tasks, such as domain validation or entity management. Use frameworks like Entity Framework or Axon Framework to automate these processes, freeing up time for more strategic work.
Example:
We automated the validation of “Production Orders” to ensure they adhered to business rules, such as minimum batch size and material availability. This reduced manual errors and sped up development.
06. Lessons Learned: What I’d Do Differently
Looking back, every DDD project brings unique challenges, but there are always takeaways that can shape your approach for future endeavors. Here’s what I learned from this experience and how I’d refine my process:
6.1 Balance Learning with Delivery
When adopting a new methodology like DDD, it’s easy to get bogged down in learning the intricacies of the approach, potentially delaying deliverables. The key is to strike a balance between learning and implementation.
What I’d Do Differently:
Instead of trying to master every DDD concept upfront, I would start by applying only the essentials—such as bounded contexts and aggregates—to the core domain. Once these were stable, I’d gradually introduce more advanced practices.
6.2 Focus Even More on Team Onboarding
One of the challenges we faced was ensuring that every team member was comfortable with DDD principles. While we conducted workshops, they could have been more structured and focused.
What I’d Do Differently:
I’d implement a phased onboarding program with:
6.3 Build Stronger Feedback Loops
DDD is iterative by nature, but our feedback loops—both internally within the team and externally with the client—could have been more robust.
What I’d Do Differently:
I’d establish:
6.4 Don’t Over-Engineer Peripheral Features
While DDD excels in modeling complex domains, not every feature requires this level of rigor. Over-applying DDD principles can lead to unnecessary complexity.
What I’d Do Differently:
For less critical features like notifications or user settings, I’d opt for simpler, traditional patterns. This approach would save time while keeping the core domain robust and scalable.
6.5 Always Validate the Domain Model Early
One of the lessons I learned the hard way is that an incorrect domain model can derail the entire project. Early validation is crucial to avoid major revisions later on.
What I’d Do Differently:
I’d conduct a domain model validation sprint before writing any production code. This would involve:
07. Conclusion: DDD is a Long-Term Investment
Adopting Domain-Driven Design wasn’t just a technical adjustment—it was a complete shift in how I approached problem-solving in mobile app development. While the challenges were real, the benefits—clear workflows, scalable systems, and stronger client relationships—made it worth every effort.
For developers exploring DDD, my advice is to start small, involve stakeholders at every step, and treat it as an evolving process rather than a one-time implementation. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your projects but also grow as a developer. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss anything, please feel free to share your insights with us at contact@groovetechnology.com.
You can also watch my video below, where I share my experience with DDD and the impact on client satisfaction.
Justin Vo is a Senior Software Engineer at Groove Technology, specializing in modern methodologies like Domain-Driven Design and Test-Driven Design to create high-quality, scalable applications
Senior Customer Manager@SUD | Gamification Interaction Pioneer | Social APP Expert | Partnership Manager | Strong push to the LEFT | Game SDK to social apps, including audio/video chat, live streaming, dating, etc.
5moUnderstanding the client’s real business logic is crucial in mobile app development because it ensures that the solutions we deliver align perfectly with their operational goals and user expectations. At SUD, we’ve seen firsthand how grasping the underlying business logic can transform the success of our integrations.