Shifting Culture to Accommodate a Ubiquitous Language @ SAG conference 2023

Software stakeholders and users approach technology through the lens of their cultural norms and worldviews. As software designers, we often introduce new concepts and terminology to better address those needs. This can mean adapting or even reshaping their cultural perspectives. But culture, by nature, seeks consistency and conformity, providing a framework to our daily chaos. This consistency can make language and models rigid, often leading to ambiguity. So, how can we navigate and reshape these ingrained cultural perspectives and behaviours during software design?

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the interplay between organisational culture and software design. We'll start by examining the crucial role of culture in communication, emphasising that mutual understanding is rooted in cultural context. Focusing on software design, we'll showcase instances where terminology, be it for domain or software, carries cultural weight. We'll wrap up by suggesting strategies, techniques and heuristics to bridge cultural gaps, ensuring a more cohesive approach to software design.

Transcript

1. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Shifting Culture to Accommodate a Ubiquitous Language Kenny Baas-​ Schwegler Avraham Poupko This workshop focuses on aligning organizational culture with the ubiquitous language of software design, acknowledging that culture shapes language and models within a business context. Participants will learn to identify cultural patterns and symbols that influence software design, evaluating their effectiveness in the current business environment. Through hands-​ on exercises, attendees will explore techniques for adapting these cultural symbols to develop more effective and relevant software models and languages. @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
2. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Getting Started with Miro: Navigation Getting Started with Miro: Board Basics Getting Started with Miro: Collaboration Miro orientation Duplicate an item: CTRL/CMD-​ C + CTRL/CMD-​ D OR CTRL/CMD-​ D You can turn off mouse pointers of others for speed or annoyance If you want help in a break-​ out, raise your hands Click an avatar to "follow" a person (see what they see) SHIFT + mouse/trackpad to multi-​ select Need to know: Top right corner You can watch the following getting started Go to to the next slide @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
3. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Check-​ in - Impromtu networking We'll do a check-​ in with an activity called 'Impromptu Networking.' This exercise is structured into three dynamic rounds, each lasting five minutes. In each session, you'll be randomly paired with 2-3 other participants in a breakout room. Here's what you will do in each round: Introduce yourself: You'll start by introducing yourselves to each other. Cultural Exchange Through Food: Dive into a dialogue about how food is significant in your culture. Discuss for instance unique culinary traditions, favourite dishes, or how food brings people together or brings them apart in your family or community. The Social Aspect of Dining: Alternatively, you can discuss social customs related to dining out, like paying for dinner at a restaurant. Share your experiences or cultural norms from your country or culture. Regroup and Reshuffle: After each round, we'll reconvene in the main room. You'll then be randomly assigned to a new group, giving you the opportunity to meet and interact with different people. @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
4. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social What role Humour plays in a culture Choose your player #comedy #fyp #viralshort #fyp シ I will forever be thinking of Smithy's bhunas #GavinAndSta… @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
5. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social What is culture? If you ask 100 anthropologists to define culture, you’ll get 100 different definitions. However, most of these definitions would emphasize roughly the same things: that culture is shared, transmitted through learning and helps shape behaviour and beliefs. Culture within organizational settings is the collective cognitive and affective aspects that govern membership in a business organization. This encompasses shared meanings, assumptions, norms, and values that shape and are manifested through work-​ related behaviour. Within an organization, culture is encoded in symbolic, textual, and narrative structures, following the functionalist tradition, is linked to the structural causes and consequences of cultural forms and their relationship to measures of organizational effectiveness. Hence, culture is viewed not just as a set of shared practices and beliefs but also as a strategic element that can be designed to enhance organizational performance. @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
6. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Characteristics of culture 1. Culture is Learned Not innate or genetic, but acquired through enculturation and socialization. Learned both formally (in institutions like schools and churches) and informally (from family, friends, media). 2. Culture is Shared A collective phenomenon shared by members of a group or society. Includes shared practices, beliefs, values, and understandings. Diverse within a culture, influenced by gender, age, subcultures, and countercultures. 3. Culture is Based on Symbols Utilizes symbols to convey meanings, beliefs, and values. Symbols are arbitrary and culturally agreed upon (e.g., language, art, religious symbols). Language is a key symbolic element, enabling cultural transmission. 4. Culture is Integrated A complex, interconnected system (holism). Changes in one aspect can influence other parts. Comprises various elements like education, technology, family, religion, and government. 5. Culture is Adaptive Facilitates human adaptation to diverse environments. Includes both adaptive and maladaptive elements. Cultural adaptation can be relative and change over time. 6. Culture is Dynamic Continuously evolving and changing. Influenced by diffusion, acculturation, independent invention, and globalization. Interacts and exchanges ideas with other cultures. nideffer.net Characteristics of Culture If you ask 100 anthropologists to define culture, you'll get 100 different definitions. However, most of these definitions would emphasize roughly the same things: that culture is shared, transmitted through learning and helps shape behavior and beliefs. anthropology4u.com Characteristics of Culture In a previous post, I talked about culture. I'd like to expand on that post here, and go into more detail on the characteristics of culture. There are many definitions of culture, but the most famous one is from E. B. @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
7. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Culture is Based on Symbols Symbols are key elements in expressing and communicating the values and beliefs of a society. They take various forms—​ objects, actions, words, sounds—​ and carry specific meanings recognized within a culture. Examples include national flags symbolizing a country's identity, religious icons representing faiths, and colours conveying different meanings in various cultures. These symbols are not just communicative tools but also reinforce social cohesion and cultural identity. In the age of globalization, while there is an enriching exchange of cultural symbols, there's also a risk of cultural homogenization. Understanding these symbols is crucial for appreciating the deeper values and shared experiences of a society. nideffer.net Characteristics of Culture If you ask 100 anthropologists to define culture, you'll get 100 different definitions. However, most of these definitions would emphasize roughly the same things: that culture is shared, transmitted through learning and helps shape behavior and beliefs. anthropology4u.com Characteristics of Culture In a previous post, I talked about culture. I'd like to expand on that post here, and go into more detail on the characteristics of culture. There are many definitions of culture, but the most famous one is from E. B. @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
8. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Language is an important symbol Language is a very important cultural symbol. It's more than just words; it's a way to share ideas and feelings. Each language has its own way of saying things, which can tell us a lot about what is important to the people who speak it. For example, in some languages, there are many words for snow, which shows that snow is a big part of their life and culture. In the United States, the bald eagle is a symbol of freedom and strength. In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize the beauty and brevity of life. In language, the English word "home" is not just a place to live, but it also suggests comfort and safety. In Spanish, "sobremesa" is the time spent talking around the table after a meal, showing the value of family and conversation in Spanish culture. "Gezellig" is a Dutch term describing a cozy, sociable, and pleasant atmosphere or feeling, often associated with being in good company or enjoying a warm, comfortable setting. nideffer.net Characteristics of Culture If you ask 100 anthropologists to define culture, you'll get 100 different definitions. However, most of these definitions would emphasize roughly the same things: that culture is shared, transmitted through learning and helps shape behavior and beliefs. anthropology4u.com Characteristics of Culture In a previous post, I talked about culture. I'd like to expand on that post here, and go into more detail on the characteristics of culture. There are many definitions of culture, but the most famous one is from E. B. @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
9. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Exercise 1 Take a sticky and write some cultural symbols that you might observed from your conversations during the check-​ in @apoupko in/avrahampoupko X--​ mas dinner Paying for food Arguing talking loudly Kissing/hugging Meal with family Important to be taken care of Eating together Shaking a finger when making a point Gathering the whole family at the table Important to take care of the other go for a walk after eating have dinner as family in the evening and talk about the day have dinner always at the same time Going dutch Let guest feel welcome through always having food on the table culture-​ specific food having specific time for breakfast, lunch and dinner Trying to utilize as much food as possible, throwing away as last resort Caring about other when paying for food
10. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Why is this important for us? SOLUTION SPACE PROBLEM SPACE core supporting generic Domains and subdomains core supporting becomes part of your problem space over time Bounded Contexts Architecture design activities Goals Tasks Purpose Intent pain points desire ... Prototypes Mock-​ ups Implementation .... boundary design Business stakeholder Domain Experts Other roles involved in designing and building software Code Represents Communicates Communicates Software Team Communicates Bounded context: A description of a boundary (typically a subsystem, or the work of a particular team) within which a particular model is defined and applicable Ubiquitous Language A language structured around the domain model and used by all team members within a bounded context to connect all the activities of the team with the software. It is a designed language! @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
11. verraes.net Design and Reality Reframing the problem through design. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Where does the ubiquitous language come from? “The domain model will typically derive from the domain experts’ own jargon but will have been “cleaned up,” to have sharper, narrower definitions.” ― Eric Evans, Domain-​ Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
12. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Agenda Part I: Understanding your organisational cultural symbols > BREAK 15 minutes Part II: How to observe symbols during design activities > BREAK 15 minutes Part III: Heuristics for introducing/changing symbols in a culture @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
13. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Exercise 2 You will be put into a break-​ out room with 2-3 people and you will have a conversation about each of your organisation. Tell stories to the other and discuss if any of them are specific symbols of that culture. Symbols can be: Material Symbols: These are physical objects or artifacts that hold cultural significance. For instance, the Statue of Liberty in the United States symbolizes freedom and democracy. Symbolic Gestures: Non-​ verbal cues or actions that convey messages within a cultural context. For example, the gesture of bowing in Japanese culture signifies respect. Ritual Symbols: Actions or series of actions performed in a specific way that carry cultural significance. An example is the lighting of the menorah in Jewish Hanukkah celebrations, symbolizing the miracle of the menorah burning for eight days with only enough oil for one day. Language and Linguistic Symbols: Words and phrases that have specific cultural meanings. For example, the term "American Dream" in the United States represents the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Color Symbols: Different colors can have various meanings in different cultures. For instance, white is often associated with purity and peace in Western cultures, but it can represent mourning and death in some Eastern cultures. Architectural Symbols: Buildings or structures that represent certain cultural values or history. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, for example, is not just an architectural feat but also a symbol of French cultural pride and innovation. Natural Symbols: Elements from the natural world that carry specific meanings in a culture. The cherry blossom, or sakura, in Japan symbolizes the transient nature of life, reflecting the Buddhist concept of impermanence. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
14. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Break Time! - 15 minutes Photo by Kaylah Matthews on Unsplash @apoupko in/avrahampoupko Till 15:00
15. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Key Takeaway Photo by CoWomen on Unsplash Open Dialogue/Discussion: "Can we initiate a restructuring in our IT department, focusing on stream-​ aligned teams and defining clearer bounded contexts within our microservices architecture? Given that a lack of accountability seems deeply embedded in our current culture, do you think such a shift would effectively foster a greater sense of responsibility?" @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
16. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Understanding the context to guide your design SOLUTION SPACE PROBLEM SPACE core supporting generic Domains and subdomains core supporting becomes part of your problem space over time Bounded Contexts Architecture design activities Goals Tasks Purpose Intent pain points desire ... Prototypes Mock-​ ups Implementation .... boundary design @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
17. Hyper temping Riley Job: Cashier Mon: 9 -13 Casey Job: Cashier Tue: 14-18 Company: grocery shop Job: Delivery Tue: 16-20 Company: Pizza delivery workers @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social A conversation between domain expert and engineer @apoupko in/avrahampoupko Candidates Backoffice Work requests Website Contracts Candidate recruiter Jobs Customer Call / email Call / Email Current architecture Work requests Work request Job 1 1..* Shift 1 1..* Application 1 * Customer 1 1 Job: Cashier Mon : 9 -13 Tue: 14-18 We: 13-18 Shifts Company: grocery shop Morning shift Afternoon shift relates relates Does not relate Temping Riley applied Candidate Placement contract * * 1 * New opportunity Temping
18. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Exercise 3 @apoupko in/avrahampoupko Come up with a domain model of the new to be build hyper-​ temping product that we want to put on the market based on the conversation we had previously.
19. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Break Time! - 15 minutes Photo by Kaylah Matthews on Unsplash @apoupko in/avrahampoupko Till 16:15
20. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Key Takeaway @apoupko in/avrahampoupko Determining whether a word functions as a cultural symbol or not can be quite nuanced, depending on various factors. Here are some key aspects to consider: Cultural Significance: A word becomes a cultural symbol when it holds specific significance within a particular culture. This significance can be historical, religious, social, or even political. For example, words like "liberty" in American culture or "samurai" in Japanese culture carry weight beyond their literal meanings. Contextual Usage: The context in which a word is used often determines its symbolic value. A word might be a cultural symbol in one context but not in another. For instance, the word "orange" can be just a color or fruit in one context, but in the Netherlands, it can symbolize national pride, particularly in sports and national events. Shared Understanding: For a word to be a cultural symbol, there must be a shared understanding of its symbolic meaning within a culture. This shared understanding is often passed down through generations, literature, media, and public discourse. Representation: A word can symbolize a broader concept, idea, or group of people. For example, "Wall Street" can symbolize the financial industry in the United States, extending beyond its geographic location. Emotional Connection: Often, cultural symbols evoke emotional responses. They resonate on a deeper level with individuals who identify with the culture. Change Over Time: The symbolic value of a word can change over time as cultures evolve. What might have been a potent symbol in the past can lose its significance, or new symbols can emerge. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
21. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Heuristics for introducing/changing symbols in a culture @apoupko in/avrahampoupko
22. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Key Takeaway @apoupko in/avrahampoupko "Refactoring functions and variable names in an IDE might be straightforward, but transforming names which represents symbols ingrained in a team's or organization's culture poses a far greater challenge." -- Avraham Poupko, Kenny Baas-​ Schwegler
23. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Exercise - Changing symbols @apoupko in/avrahampoupko Heuristics for a domain language: Invent a new word Explore the current word > In written sentences > In spoken sentences Create a specific symbol, start with something weird, quirky, funny, something you want to change Change the word to be more exact Make boundaries clear between words Who does this????
24. @kenny_baas @kenny_baas@mastodon.social Do the change @apoupko in/avrahampoupko Stories for doing the change: