Download this free Requirement Elicitation Checklist template and use it for your new project. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the download link.
Great opportunities exist in our industry to improve application development efforts. Understanding stakeholder or user needs before beginning development is crucial to improving this process. Many techniques are available to elicit stakeholder or user needs. One simple and inexpensive technique that is appropriate for use in virtually every situation is the Generic Interview. The Generic Interview can help the developer or analyst understand stakeholder or user objectives and problems. Armed with this insight, developers can create applications that fit the stakeholder’s or user’s real needs and increase their satisfaction.
The Generic Interview in this template features questions designed to elicit an understanding of the stakeholder’s or user’s problems and environment. These questions explore the functionality, usability, reliability, performance, and supportability requirements for the application. As a result of using the Generic Interview, the developer or analyst will gain knowledge of the problem being solved, as well as an understanding of the stakeholder’s or user’s insights on the characteristics of successful solutions.>
Guidelines for Use: If the Generic Interview is not suited to your needs, feel free to modify it. With a little preparation and a well-structured interview, any developer or analyst can effectively interview. Here are some hints:
Do not let the script become overly constraining. Once rapport is established, the interview often takes on a life of its own, and the stakeholder or user may talk at length about the difficulties they’re experiencing. Do not stop the stakeholder or user. Record these responses as quickly as possible. Follow up on the information with questions. Once this exchange reaches its logical end, proceed with other questions on the list. Good luck and happy interviewing!>
