Requirements

At ThoughtWorks, we believe that analysis is about more than identifying requirements; it is about creating a shared understanding of the problem to be solved, as well as collaboratively discovering the best solution. We work with our clients' teams to understand the project vision and business case, translating them into value at the project delivery level.

That said, we bring a unique approach to each and every project using an array of engaging discovery techniques, including: user-centered and contextual design, business process analysis and modelling, and on-the-job observation. As requirements emerge, we work with our customer to break them down to the appropriate level of granularity and prioritize them according to the value that they provide to the business. Our adaptive development approach means that we can change priorities to suit the business and meet both short-term tactical objectives while still having an eye to the longer-term strategic goals.

Our analysts take ownership of requirements throughout the life of the project, elaborating on them as the team's understanding grows. In order to stay nimble, we capture requirements as user stories, to keep them compact, testable and independent.

We realise that in real life the relative importance of different features can change, so we don't do big analysis up front; we do "enough" to understand the big picture and get started. In this way we provide the biggest business value from the beginning; business value as determined by our clients.

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