Architecting Systems
Turning complexity into adaptive architectures — by designing systems that make knowledge flow.
Keynotes, talks, workshops, interviews — and other fun stuff.
You’ve just joined Mago — and the system is on fire. In this first-of-its-kind role-playing simulation, you'll navigate organizational chaos, consult fictional execs, and deliver an architectural recommendation under pressure. Practice systemic reasoning, evolve models together, and experience architecture as a collective, socio-technical practice. And have wicked fun doing it.
For decades we’ve built software and organizations around plans and repositories — but knowledge isn’t static. In this keynote, Diana Montalion introduces Emergent Meaning Architecture (EMA): a new paradigm for designing systems that think with us. EMA turns architecture from rigid pipelines into living, relational systems where meaning emerges, adapts, and flows.
Keynotes, talks, and interviews.
In the systems age, being an architect transcends knowledge of tools like Kubernetes; it's about designing and adapting the interplay between system components, requiring a sociotechnical skillset that merges social and technological expertise.
Discover the art of mastering large software systems with Diana Montalion, coder and author, as we delve into the complexities of systems thinking and learn to navigate and improve the intricate web of users, employees, and interdependencies that make up the system.
Andrew Harmel-Law and Diana Montalion explore the importance of systems thinking in software and organizations, with Montalion underscoring its necessity over linear problem-solving and advocating for collaborative leadership in complex settings.
Yes, it's been quite a summer (and fall). So much happened.
Fortunately, I'm packing my bags to head Down Under. Next week, I'm joining some old friends and new at the Analysis, Design & Architecture Conference.
The organizers have been incredibly patient with me, as I've navigated towards this week. I CAN NOT WAIT to be there in person.
Woke with this playing in my head ... a sure sign that I'm happy.
"New York will remain a city of immigrants, built by immigrants, powered by immigrants ... and as of tonight ... led by an immigrant."
Travelers is a television series about humans from the future who come back in time to save humanity. Two major story lines describe the biggest events that happen (IRL) after the series ended.
That’s … kinda freaking me out.
Okay, learned friends, what do you recommend? I discovered a critical security vulnerability using @Canva AI. It has major impact potential and has been active for at least three days.
I emailed them. They said "report it using Bug Bounty." Of course, I'd already done that. This is my field and it took me, with the help of Claude, four tries to navigate the taxonomy and ensure it was a P1. (It is definitely that.)
A lay person would have had no clue how.
Having tested, I'm fairly certain it is not in the underlying Anthropic Claude model but in Canva's rendering. But obviously, it impacts trust in that tool as well.
I would not share details of a vulnerability; I'd get it fixed. That's failed ... would you share the details of the vulnerability? Warn people off the platform?
Me: I'd love a snarky movie quote in my bio.
ChatGPT: Forget everything you think you know. —Doctor Strange
Me: Yes! Can I sneak in my undying love for Benedict Cumberbatch too?!
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Essential Skills and Practices for Software Professionals
Welcome to the systems age, where software professionals are no longer building software—we are building systems of software. In this world of increasing relational complexity, we need to think differently.
This book shows you how systems thinking can guide you through the complexity of modern systems. Through a series of practices and real-world scenarios, you will learn to shift your perspective in order to design, develop, and deliver better outcomes.
Thoughts, and explorations on technology architecture, knowledge, and life.
As complexity increases, more software parts act as a source of information -- with layers that govern communication.
Lists are more than organization—they’re keys to who we really are. Apparently. Includes praise for crafting personal ontologies, a snark-fest of book titles, and the quiet terror of Pressing Send.
"Reducing coupling doesn’t necessarily reduce the risk of making a mistake when changing a single element. Reducing coupling reduces the number of elements changing at once and reduces the chances that you’ll miss one of the elements that need to change in sync." -- Kent Beck