When projects fail, it is rarely due to the technology - but almost always to communication. Differing expectations, unclear target definitions or simply misunderstandings ensure that the result fails to meet requirements. The good news is that this is exactly where requirements can come into play - as a bridge between those involved, as a tool for understanding and as a compass for the project team.
In this article, we show why professional requirements engineering is much more than just documentation and how requirements can become a crucial communication tool in a project.
Why communication in projects often fails
In many projects, the specialist department, development and testing speak different "languages". While the specialist department talks about the result, the development team thinks in terms of solutions and the tester in terms of error scenarios. Without a common basis, misunderstandings or misinterpretations can easily arise.
This is exactly where requirements come into play: well-formulated requirements translate specialist knowledge into implementable specifications and make expectations transparent.
Requirements - more than just specifications
Professional requirements engineering creates more than just a list of "wishes". It provides:
- Consistent understanding about the aim, purpose and scope of the project
- Transparency in the entire team - from project management to developers
- Comprehensible decisionse.g. for prioritizations or changes
- Structured dialog with stakeholders and clients
Requirements are therefore not just a tool for analysis, but an active means of communication that accompanies the project team throughout the entire life cycle.
How requirements strengthen communication
A good requirement is not only complete and testable - it is also understandable. It speaks the language of all those involved and takes their perspectives into account.
Important principles for this:
- Target group-oriented writing: Clarity for the specialist area and technology
- Create structureSimple structure, consistent terms
- Use examplesConcrete scenarios help with understanding
- Use visualizationsModels, diagrams or user stories complement the text form
- Obtain feedbackRequirements are occasions for communication - not a one-way street
If everyone involved can identify with the requirements, collaboration becomes easier and the project risk is reduced.
IREB: The methodological framework for understandable requirements
The methodology of the International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB) offers a structured procedure for developing requirements systematically and comprehensibly.
In the IREB Foundation Level (CPRE FL) training course at SERVIEW you will learn, among other things
- How requirements are coordinated within the team
- How to avoid misunderstandings at an early stage
- How requirements contribute to active project communication
- How to ensure greater clarity in the project with simple means
Conclusion: Writing requirements means building bridges
Requirements are far more than just a project obligation. Used correctly, they become a communication tool that creates clarity, connects teams and makes project success more likely. Understanding requirements as a dialog strengthens collaboration and avoids expensive detours in the course of the project.
Previously published
Would you like to know how requirements can be handled flexibly even in the event of changes? Then we recommend the article:
When requirements change: Flexible requirements engineering in agile projects
Training tip: IREB Foundation Level (CPRE FL) at SERVIEW
In the IREB Foundation Level (CPRE FL) training course at SERVIEW, you will learn how to not only capture requirements, but also how to use them as a communicative bridge in the project - in a clear, structured and understandable way for all those involved.
Find out more now:
About IREB training at SERVIEW
