At DDD conferences and workshops, we focus a lot on modeling but not on writing. Most of us working as systems designers do A LOT of communicating, sharing our thinking with words. Writing a fabulous tool for thinking.

Constructing something whole and actionable from abstract ideas requires creating conceptual integrity. Fred Brooks says "Conceptual integrity is the most important consideration in systems design."

Unfortunately, we are truly terrible at creating or maintaining conceptual integrity … unless we are supported by practices.

Fortunately, writing is the practice of crafting conceptual integrity.

Writing practices can help us:

- strengthen metacognition: awareness of our own thought process.

- synthesize knowledge, experience and sound judgment into well-reasoned recommendations.

- learn.

- navigate uncertainty through inquiry.

- think well, together.

In this hands-on talk, we will write. You'll try some writing practices that, when done regularly, improve your ability to think, learn and lead. We’ll discuss the difference between free writing, systemic reasoning, and structuring recommendations for varying audiences. We’ll talk about the Fire Swamp that is “getting feedback.”

Fair warning: it will be a lot of fun.

Bring your favorite pen.