Successful Requirements Gathering

To be successful at requirements gathering and to give your project an increased likelihood of success follow these rules:

1. Don't assume you know what the customer wants, ask.
2. Involve the users from the start.
3. Define and agree the scope of the project.
4. Ensure requirements are specific, realistic and measurable.
5. Gain clarity if there is any doubt.
6. Create a clear, concise and thorough requirements document and share it with the customer.
7. Confirm your understanding of the requirements with the customer (play them back).
8. Avoid talking technology or solutions until the requirements are fully understood.
9. Get the requirements agreed with the stakeholders before the project starts.
10. Create a prototype if necessary to confirm or refine the customers' requirements.

By Duncan Haughey, PMP