The Non-Functional Map

Non-functional attributes help define the usability and effectiveness of the entire solution. The non-functional map is a tool to capture and articulate these non-functional requirements for the system that a team is striving to deliver. Most of the practices so far have focused on the functional aspects of a solution that relate to business features or functions that end users can directly relate to.

Non-functional requirements are broken down into areas represented by each segment on a canvas, which are examined and populated in turn as a group.

Figure 9.36: The non-functional wheel

We can use this mapping tool to gain a shared understanding of non-functional aspects of a system in a visually structured representation. On completion, you should have a good view of the key non-functional considerations for the solution. Mapping these visually can highlight where work is required to realize them.

It's a very simple practice...