Software projects can be completed on time and without surprises when requirements are clearly communicated ‘up front’, the more detail, the better.
Creating software project requirements is an engaging process that helps individuals hone their decision-making skills.
Here are ten steps to guide the process of creating software project requirements:
- Embrace the Process: Creating software platforms and applications is a process. It can be a lifelong learning experience. There is always room to grow skills and improve in delivering project requirements effectively. A curious mindset is the first step towards a better outcome.
- Know Your Project: Spend time to get to grips with the project’s purpose, goals, and scope. This involves talking with the project stakeholders, especially the people who “own” the project and the people who will “use” the outcome of the project. A good understanding of the project’s overall goals can guide your decision-making journey.
- Learn from Past Projects: Look at similar past projects to understand how decisions around their requirements were made. Why were some decisions successful while other decisions were not successful? Take lessons from these projects, noting their wins and challenges.
- Think up Requirements: Make a long list of possible requirements. This list should cover all stakeholder needs, wishes, and limits, aiming for variety rather than immediate selection.
- Rank Your Ideas: Use a method like “Must have – Should have – Could have – Won’t have” to validate and rank requirements in order based of their importance and impact on the project’s success.
- Ask for Help: Get the project team, stakeholders, and subject matter experts involved in the decision-making process. Their ideas can help guide you to informed decisions. Use techniques like focus groups and surveys to get their input. Mentors who have years of experience creating software projects will help you and deliver advice that will save time and money.
- Write Down the Requirements: Put the requirements in clear, simple words. Include both functional and non-functional requirements. Build in desired and attractive UI/UX (user interface & user experience).
- Check and Improve: Look over the list of requirements, adding the level of detail expected by the project team and stakeholders. Re-arrange priorities if needed to fit timelines and budgets.
- Make Your Choice: Pick a set of requirements based on the input and review process. Keep in mind that it’s normal to favour some requirements over others and provide sufficient details to ensure clarity; this approach is the key to a well-defined project.
- Share Your Decision: Give the finalized list of requirements to everyone involved and make sure you’re all on the same page. This step ensures that everyone on the software development team is working towards the same goal.
Creating software projects is an ongoing learning experience. Better decision-making skills come with practice, supportive teamwork, and using the right techniques. It’s important to make the best choice you can with the information you have and be ready to learn and adapt as the project goes on.