What are the three groups into which Kano categorizes requirements?

Kano's model categorizes requirements into three groups: standard/base needs, performance needs, and excitement needs.

Standard/base needs are the essential features that must be present for the product to be considered functional. Without meeting these needs, customer satisfaction will drop significantly. Performance needs are those that have a direct correlation with customer satisfaction; the better these needs are met, the higher the customer satisfaction. Excitement needs, on the other hand, are features that, while not expected, can greatly enhance customer satisfaction when they are present. These can differentiate a product and delight customers, even though their absence doesn't result in dissatisfaction.

This classification helps teams prioritize features during the development process. Understanding where a requirement falls within these categories allows product developers to target their resources more effectively, ensuring that essential needs are met while also incorporating features that can create a positive customer experience.