In traditional projects, it is often the case that requirements are defined at the beginning - and then implemented as unchanged as possible. However, the reality of many companies is different: Framework conditions change, user feedback is incorporated, new technical possibilities emerge. The result? Requirements continue to evolve.
In agile projects in particular, this dynamic is not the exception, but the rule. Successful requirements engineering recognizes this and makes flexibility an integral part of the process. In this article, you will learn how this works and which methods support you in the process.
Change is not a disruptive factor - it's part of the plan
Agility means being able to deal with change without losing sight of the goal. This is especially true for requirements, because:
- They are often incomplete or blurred
- They change through stakeholder feedback
- They must be iteratively reviewed, adapted and prioritized
Flexible requirements engineering ensures that these changes do not lead to chaos, but are integrated in a structured manner - to the benefit of the project.
How flexible requirements engineering works
Flexibility in requirements management does not mean doing without structure. On the contrary: the more dynamic the environment, the more important a systematic framework is.
Important principles are:
- Iterative procedureRequirements are not documented once, but are reviewed and further developed in cycles.
- Early feedbackRegular exchange with stakeholders helps to keep requirements close to reality.
- PrioritizationWhat brings the greatest added value? The most important requirements are dealt with first.
- Change managementChanges are consciously controlled and documented in a comprehensible manner.
- Transparent communicationEveryone involved knows why requirements change - and how this affects the project.
IREB RE@Agile: The method for dynamic projects
Agile requirements engineering according to the IREB standard shows how proven principles from classic requirements engineering can be combined with the agile world.
In the IREB RE@Agile Primer (CPRE) training course at SERVIEW you will learn:
- Precisely capture requirements in agile teams
- Constructively accompanying change
- Formulate requirements in such a way that they remain testable and implementable even in the event of changes
- bridge the gap between agile practice and methodological clarity
This means that requirements engineering does not become a rigid specification - but rather agile support.
Your advantages at a glance
- More clarity despite change
- Better collaboration between business and IT
- Higher product quality through feedback loops
- Less rework thanks to early testing and adjustment
Conclusion: flexibility needs structure
Requirements change - that's completely normal. The decisive factor is how you deal with it. If you integrate changes into the project in a structured way, you ensure quality, save resources and remain capable of acting.
Requirements engineering according to IREB provides the right basis for this.
Previously published
Would you like to know how requirements build bridges between business and IT? Then we recommend the article:
Business & IT at one table: How requirements build bridges
Training tip: IREB® RE@Agile Compact at SERVIEW
With the IREB RE@Agile compact training course (Primer + Practitioner) at SERVIEW, you will learn how agile requirements engineering works in practice - in a flexible, structured and practical way.
Find out more now:
To the IREB RE@Agile compact training course at SERVIEW
