Metaphor

The metaphor practice asks that the design use a simple common system of names and that if possible the design should have a simple, easily explained pattern of design, enabling you to say, "The program is like an assembly line" or "The program is like bees bringing pollen back to the hive." A clear metaphor and naming convention reduces the need for documentation, reduces the need for up-front design, and makes pairing and collective ownership easier.

Is Metaphor Essential?

The stronger the imagery you have in your design, the faster you'll go. The better chosen your names, the faster you'll go. You can survive with a naive metaphor and thrive with an expressive one. Avoid completely chaotic naming, strive for consistency, and you'll be OK.