A description of what the intended stakeholders need from a system, product, or service to fulfill a particular purpose is paramount to successful development. These descriptions detail the functionalities, attributes, and characteristics a delivered solution must possess. For example, a banking application’s documentation might specify that users require the ability to transfer funds between accounts securely and receive confirmation of the transaction.
Clearly articulating these needs offers substantial advantages. It ensures that development efforts align with stakeholder expectations, reduces the risk of costly rework, and improves the likelihood of user adoption. Early and accurate specification of these requirements has been a central focus of systems engineering and software development methodologies for decades, underpinning project success across diverse industries.
