Conceptual Category List

A conceptual category list [Larman] can be used to identify the domain objects. In this technique we can use the list of categories as a crutch to discover the domain objects. Study the requirements and determine items from the problem that belongs to a certain category. This is also called as Common Associations List.

Similarly common associations list can be used to identify the relationships between the domain objects. Seek common relationship patterns in the interactions between classes and objects and invent ways to use these patterns. Evaluate the semantic relationships and seek to maximize coupling among things that are semantically related while minimizing coupling among things that are semantically distant and subject to change.

The disadvantage is that we may get stuck at some point when something does not seem to fit well in the category list. In such a situation remember that no there is no such thing as the perfect domain model. It is just more or less valuable tool in understanding the domain. If we capture all the important concepts and their relationships in the domain then we can get a good domain model.

All of the above techniques can be combined to identify classes and services depending on the situation, so that we optimally use the different approaches based on their strengths to arrive at a good domain model.