One possibility I can think of is the same solution that's used for the Branch Diagram tab in the Model Overview. That's basically a SVG that's calculated in the branch_diagram view within the SF. Which in turn is shown in a preview component. 

This way the timeline can dynamically grow if there's more years to be added for example. 

But I'm curious to hear some more possibilities as well!

This screen from TCP is, I think, constructed with a domain with icons that change when the status changes?

This screen from TCP is, I think, constructed with a domain with icons that change when the status changes?

 

I believe it is a simple Image combo yes, where every state has a specific icon assigned to it. 

@groos did Mark or rbiram's replies answer you question sufficiently?