When should requirements documentation begin?

Starting requirements documentation during the analysis process is essential because it allows for capturing insights, clarifications, and stakeholder feedback in real-time as the analysis unfolds. This approach ensures that the documentation is comprehensive and reflective of the discussions and findings that arise during analysis.

By documenting requirements concurrently with the analysis, you can:

1. Enhance Accuracy: Immediate documentation reduces the risk of forgetting details or misinterpreting requirements that arise during conversations with stakeholders.

2. Facilitate Collaboration: When requirements are documented in tandem with analysis, it fosters better communication between stakeholders and the analysis team. It allows stakeholders to see how their feedback is being incorporated and enables necessary adjustments while still fresh in everyone’s mind.

3. Iterative Refinement: Requirements are often refined through the analysis process as inconsistencies or gaps are identified. Documenting during this phase allows for ongoing updates, which lead to a more precise and complete set of requirements.

4. Increase Efficiency: This approach can minimize the need for extensive revisions later on, as requirements are captured in context, reducing the amount of rework required when moving to the next stages of development.

Options that suggest documentation should begin before or after the analysis indicate a less responsive approach, either risking