Software development used to be all about the code—write it, ship it, repeat. But as the industry evolved, we started integrating other disciplines like deployment, testing, and program management, and our products grew stronger because of it. Now, a new shift is happening. The focus is expanding beyond just technical skills, recognizing that the success of a product is shaped by more than just the code—it’s about the people, the collaboration, and the bigger picture.
Strengths and motivation fuel innovation. We unlock smarter, more creative solutions when we build on what we do best, on what we like best and when we focus on ideas that truly inspire us. We acknowledge both areas, but we still tend to treat them separately, offering solutions for each in isolation. That’s why we created Scenario-Based Development (SBD)—to bridge the gap and bring them together across teams and products.
SBD is a context-driven, comprehensive approach to software development that focuses on building impactful solutions by aligning:
• What users need and expect,
• The strengths, skills, and motivations of the development team,
• The long-term health and evolution of the software, and
• The goals and priorities of stakeholders.
By weaving together coding patterns, product requirements, team dynamics, and behavioural insights, SBD pinpoints the most effective and rewarding path forward.
Some publications equate scenarios to user stories or user behaviour within a software application—but that’s not how we see it. In Scenario-Based Development, a scenario goes beyond just what a user can do with a functionality. In SBD, scenarios don’t simply drive development; instead, development is built upon one or more scenarios. What truly fuels the process is the motivation and efficiency that emerge from those scenarios.
Now that we’ve clarified the concept, let’s talk about SBD as a methodology. SBD helps tackle a wide range of challenges in the software industry. At its core, it drives the development of tailored solutions for each team and product while also serving as a foundation for building frameworks based on common patterns identified across different environments. Many of the issues we see in software development today are framed as desired states—where we want to be. But what’s often missing is the full scenario that gets us there.
Development isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and neither are the goals we set. The same apparent problem in two different teams or organizations can stem from entirely different root causes, and the same desired outcome might require completely different solutions depending on the context. By rooting progress in real-world scenarios, SBD makes sure every step forward is both meaningful and practical, keeping the outcomes in sync with the people driving them.
In any transition from an initial state to a desired outcome, progress is driven by the actions of key actors.
But in SBD, those actions aren’t predefined or assumed to work universally.
Instead, they are carefully selected based on the specific environment, challenges, and motivations of the people involved—ensuring that the path forward is not only efficient but also relevant and sustainable.
SBD goes beyond merely defining a goal; while gathering data to define the initial state, it also evaluates and refines the desired state to ensure it delivers the highest possible value to the actors, making it both relevant and impactful. By identifying strengths and motivations, SBD selects the most efficient, engaging, and high-impact actions, ensuring that progress is not only rapid but also meaningful, rewarding, and sustainable.
Scenario-Based Development: A Methodology for Aligning Action with Impact
SBD isn’t about blindly chasing a goal—it’s about strategically navigating from where we are to where we need to be, in the most efficient and rewarding way possible. Here’s how we break it down:
🔹 Defining the Initial State
• Every scenario starts with a clear understanding of the current reality—the data, processes, systems, and challenges that define where we stand.
• We gather all relevant insights from technical, business, and user perspectives to ensure we’re working with the full picture before making any decisions.
🔹 Identifying the Key Actors
• Who are the players in this scenario? Developers, testers, designers, product managers, stakeholders, and end-users all bring different needs, strengths, motivations, and objectives.
• We map out who influences the process, who benefits from the outcome, and who drives the change to ensure alignment across the board.
🔹 Understanding Actions & Aligning Them with Needs
• Every actor has a set of potential actions they can take—but not all of them contribute equally to progress.
• Instead of prescribing a rigid set of steps, we analyse which actions naturally align with each actor’s strengths and motivations while still pushing towards the goal.
🔹 Defining the Desired State
• The end goal isn’t just an abstract vision—it’s a relevant, high-value outcome that benefits all parties involved.
• Instead of assuming a one-size-fits-all solution, we refine the desired state based on the actors’ perspectives, external influences, and long-term impact.
🔹 Selecting the Most Efficient & High-Impact Path
• With multiple action paths available, the focus is on choosing the one that maximizes efficiency, engagement, and return on investment.
• The best path isn’t just the shortest—it’s the one that ensures sustainable progress, maintains motivation, and minimizes unnecessary effort.
By structuring development around scenarios, we don’t just move forward—we move forward with purpose, making every decision count toward real, lasting impact.
SBD isn’t just about writing code—it’s about building software that truly delivers. It ensures that products not only meet user expectations but also keep developers engaged, reduce unnecessary friction, and maintain stability and scalability over time. On the business side, it optimizes return on investment by making sure that every effort contributes to long-term success.But success isn’t one-size-fits-all. The same challenge in two different teams or organizations might stem from entirely different root causes, and the best solution depends on the unique context. SBD takes this into account by framing development around real-world scenarios, ensuring that decisions are tailored to the specific dynamics, constraints, and motivations of the people involved. By addressing all these moving parts as a connected system, SBD supports teams in making smarter, more balanced decisions—ones that don’t just push for innovation at the cost of quality or efficiency. At its core, SBD is about defining clear scenarios and concrete goals—not just chasing an arbitrary target. It hones in on the most efficient, high-impact path to success, prioritizing value, motivation, and collaboration every step of the way.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Development with Scenario-Based Methodology
As we move beyond the traditional focus on code, it’s clear that the next evolution in software development requires a more holistic approach—one that places as much importance on people, collaboration, and alignment as it does on technical expertise. Scenario-Based Development (SBD) offers just that. By considering the context, motivations, strengths, and actions of all actors involved, SBD transforms the way we navigate the complexities of development.
But context is everything. The same challenge can play out differently across teams, products, or organizations, and the most effective solutions depend on understanding those unique circumstances. SBD recognizes that no two development paths are identical, tailoring each approach to the specific needs, constraints, and opportunities of the situation.Rather than blindly following a set path, SBD ensures that every step is driven by purpose, aligning team dynamics and business objectives with real-world scenarios that resonate with everyone involved. It’s not just about reaching the desired outcome—it’s about creating a journey that’s engaging, rewarding, and impactful for all.
Through clear goals, efficient paths, and high-value results, SBD empowers development teams to innovate without sacrificing quality or efficiency. By focusing on what matters most—value, motivation, and collaboration within the right context—we’re shaping software that truly delivers on its promises, today and into the future.
