Pattern Finding and Following

Patterns guide all human action. We have instincts that call for repetition of behaviors that have proven successful (or at least not lethal) in the past. We walk in the literal and figurative footsteps of those that have come before us. In application design and development we should exploit these instincts to create unity in form where the form is initially set through thoughtful intent.

Cornerstone patterns are macro-patterns that define the majority of the application's internal structure and guide the application of more granular patterns in the fulfillment of the intended features. For within each level of a pattern are embedded sub-patterns mirroring the symmetry of nature.

As a designer, your job is to define the cornerstone patterns that suit the constraints of a project. Project constraints are formed by functional needs, architectural mandates, team skills, project economics, and the like. A designer may also identify sub-patterns that should govern the approach solving smaller problems within the project.

As a developer, your job is to understand and enact the patterns identified as cornerstones of the project, to recognize and repeat the sub-patterns established by fellow developers, to contribute to a collective pattern-spinning. The use of the right patterns is critical to producing an application which is maintainable and a creative process which is efficient.