Summary

In this chapter, we put our previous learning into the context of starting a real project. Knowing all the techniques, methods, and processes needed to manage requirements and create specifications is very important, but there are other, less tangible aspects of working on a software project that can make a difference. The first two meetings with our client's stakeholders are critical. The first meeting (I call it first contact) is where we establish communication channels and start managing expectations. This is where we start getting a real feel for what our clients expect and desire from our system. After our first meeting, we should be working to produce the outline of a requirements model, which we will open up for feedback to all our stakeholders.

Having our requirements model and specification scrutinized regularly builds trust and confidence between us and the stakeholders. This is why that second client meeting is so important, because it establishes all these...