"The system should have a fast response time" is an example of what type of requirement?

The statement "The system should have a fast response time" represents an unbounded requirement because it lacks a specific definition of what "fast" means. In requirements engineering, unbounded requirements are those that do not provide clear, measurable criteria. They can lead to misunderstandings during development, as stakeholders may have different interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable response time.

Without a concrete threshold or metric, developers may struggle to implement this requirement effectively. Defining response time in quantitative terms, such as "the system should respond within 2 seconds," would transform it into a bounded requirement, which is clear and actionable. In its current form, the lack of precise detail makes it unbounded, which can lead to varying interpretations and potential project challenges.