Xorn is a recent addition to the gEDA/gaf project. It implements a value-oriented data model which serves as an interface between core functionality,the user interface, and scripts. This talk provides an overview of what the design principles behind Xorn are,which particular technical decisions followed from these, how this has beenimplemented in gEDA/gaf so far and what possible paths of development thisopens up for both gEDA and other projects.