How do you document and model system requirements?

2 Elicit the requirements

The next step in documenting and modeling system requirements is to elicit the requirements from the stakeholders. The requirements are the statements of what the system should do and how it should perform, based on the stakeholder's needs and expectations. The requirements can be classified into different types, such as functional, non-functional, user, business, and technical requirements. You can use various techniques to elicit the requirements, such as workshops, questionnaires, use cases, scenarios, user stories, and personas. You should document the requirements in a requirements document, which is a detailed and structured collection of the system's requirements.

3 Analyze the requirements

The third step in documenting and modeling system requirements is to analyze the requirements for validity, completeness, consistency, clarity, feasibility, and testability. The analysis helps to verify that the requirements are accurate, relevant, and aligned with the scope and goals of the system. It also helps to identify any gaps, conflicts, ambiguities, or redundancies in the requirements. You can use various techniques to analyze the requirements, such as inspection, review, validation, prioritization, and traceability. You should document the results of the analysis in a requirements specification, which is a formal and approved representation of the system's requirements.

4 Model the requirements

The fourth step in documenting and modeling system requirements is to model the requirements using graphical or textual representations that illustrate the structure, behavior, and interactions of the system. The models help to communicate, visualize, and simulate the requirements in a more understandable and concrete way. They also help to identify any errors, risks, or assumptions in the requirements. You can use various techniques to model the requirements, such as diagrams, charts, graphs, tables, and equations. You should document the models in a requirements model, which is a complementary and consistent set of the system's models.

5 Communicate the requirements

The fifth step in documenting and modeling system requirements is to communicate the requirements to the stakeholders, developers, testers, and other parties involved in the system development process. The communication helps to ensure that everyone has a common and clear understanding of the system's requirements and their implications. It also helps to solicit feedback, suggestions, and approval from the stakeholders. You can use various techniques to communicate the requirements, such as presentations, reports, documents, prototypes, and demos. You should document the communication in a requirements communication plan, which is a plan that defines the methods, frequency, and audience of the communication.

6 Manage the requirements

The final step in documenting and modeling system requirements is to manage the requirements throughout the system development process. The management helps to monitor, control, and update the requirements as the system evolves and changes. It also helps to ensure that the requirements are traceable, verifiable, and measurable. You can use various techniques to manage the requirements, such as change management, configuration management, version control, and quality assurance. You should document the management in a requirements management plan, which is a plan that defines the processes, tools, and roles for managing the requirements.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?