Clear Requirements: A Blueprint for Success
How clear and well-defined requirements shape software development success
How do you define effective requirements?
Well-defined, clear and comprehensive requirements drive efficient software development processes, resulting in high-quality software solutions that satisfy stakeholders-internally and externally.
project snapshot
SITUATION
- MedAcuity was engaged to address performance issues and enhance the functionality of a controller for an implantable device targeted for IDE submission
- Disagreements among company stakeholders regarding the scope of requirements threatened the success of the initiative tied to a crucial funding event
Challenges
- A stakeholder advocating from the clinical perspective pushed for additional features and functionality, risking schedule and budget overruns beyond the company’s acceptable limits
- Throughout the development cycle, stakeholders attempted to introduce unplanned requirements disrupting project momentum
SOLUTION
- Proactively adjusted team staffing levels until requirements were clearly defined to ensure budget adherence
- Guided the decision-making process within the company, establishing a baseline of MVP (Minimum Viable Product) requirements
- Initiated a Change Control Board (CCB) to scrutinize any proposed changes beyond the original requirements for their value and impact
Results
- Accelerated the establishment of a baseline of requirements by several months
- The CCB prevented low-value changes, maintaining a predictable project velocity
- Successfully implemented all high-value requirements in the IDE release, leading to a successful company funding event