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Software requirements gathering techniques

15 Feb 2007 | SearchSoftwareQuality.com

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[IMAGE] Requirements gathering is an essential part of software development. However, the process can be difficult. To help you, we've assembled a detailed guide of the best methods for facilitating requirements gathering process. Not merely a collection of links, our guide has detailed descriptions to help you maneuver.

We value your input. As always, if you know of an article, tip, tool or method that should be included, send me an e-mail with the information and I'll be happy to add it. – Jennette Mullaney, assistant editor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
  [IMAGE] Prototyping
  [IMAGE] Storyboards
  [IMAGE] Modeling
  [IMAGE] State transition diagrams
  [IMAGE] Use cases
  [IMAGE] Tools
  [IMAGE] Other Useful Resources


[IMAGE]  Prototyping

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Prototypes range from the simple to the elaborate. But whether it's a paper sketch or an interactive digital design, a prototype should aid stakeholders and developers in anticipating requirements for a product.

  • Effective Prototyping for Software Makers -- Chapter 2, The Effective Prototyping Process: Prototyping is a process anyone can learn and master, according to author Jonathan Arnowitz. In this book excerpt, he describes the four phases of the prototyping process -- plan, specification, design and results -- and how you can use prototyping to communicate software requirements, designs and ideas.
  • Create screen prototypes for clear software requirements: A step by step approach to communicating with your customers and getting the most out of your prototypes.
  • Evaluating 'throw away' prototyping for requirements capture: A dense white paper filled with examples and graphics. (PDF)
  • What is prototyping: This outline answers basic questions about prototyping and offers advice for creating effective GUI prototypes.
  • Prototyping: The sheer amount of information on all things prototyping may be ...

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    overwhelming for some, but it's presented clearly and concisely on this bare bones site.

  • Extending the benefits of prototyping: Great advice for those experienced in prototyping who have demanding customers, or who simply need a few new ideas.
  • Prototyping and the software development cycle: The article may be old (the information is largely from 1992) but for those approaching prototyping for the first time, or for those who need a refresher, the combination of elemental information and good writing is hard to beat.
  • Using paper prototypes to manage risk: Using a real-life scenario, the authors explain why and how paper prototypes can be ideal for risk management in a time crunch.
  • Looking back on 16 years of paper prototyping: With all of the changes and advancements over the past 16 years, the authors explain why paper prototypes are relevant and beneficial in technology today.
[IMAGE]  Storyboards

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Storyboards help developers visualize the sequence and interconnectedness of their work. They allow for a "big picture" approach that may be very useful in requirements gathering.

[IMAGE]  Modeling

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A model can be made according to Unified Modeling Language (UML) or according to domain-specific modeling. Or, models can consist of stick figures on a whiteboard. All of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Use these links to figure out what method is right for you.

[IMAGE]  State transition diagrams

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State transition diagrams allow developers and users to see how a program might behave. This anticipation of events is useful when discussing requirements.

  • State-transition diagrams: This article explains what state transitions are and why they are important. Also included are a series of questions for testing state-transition diagrams.
  • Automating state transitions: The Microsoft Developer's Network state transitions within Visual Studio. Code examples aid the reader.
  • Visual Requirements: There is a section devoted to state transition diagrams in this article on diagrams in software development. The author provides a clear perspective on state diagrams and the necessary part they play among the other diagrams. (PDF)
  • State transition diagrams: The language of this white paper is technical, so beginners may be put off. However, the paper achieves what it sets out to do, and that is to define the syntax and semantics of state transition diagrams. (PDF)
[IMAGE]  Use cases

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Use cases are created to capture functional requirements in the software development lifecycle.

[IMAGE]  Tools

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Here are some tools that may prove useful in the requirements gathering process.

[IMAGE]  Other useful resources

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[IMAGE]Expert advice on software requirements

Do you have a question about software requirements gathering? Our requirements expert Betty Luedke may have the answer. Read advice she has given or submit your own questions.



Send in your suggestions
Are there other topics you'd like to see learning guides on? Send assistant editor Jennette Mullaney an e-mail at jmullaney@techtarget.com and let her know what they are.






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