Forget everything you know about database normalization! DynamoDB’s single table design pattern seems counterintuitive to traditional RDBMS thinking, but it unlocks incredible performance and scalability benefits. This talk explores how cramming all your data into one table can actually simplify your architecture, reduce costs, and eliminate complex joins. We’ll walk through real-world examples, design patterns, and the mental shift required to embrace this “crazy” approach. You’ll leave with a new perspective on data modeling that might just revolutionize how you think about databases.

During COVID-19, I built a platform using Java, AWS DynamoDB to play a popular board game called “Great Western Trail” online with friends.