What are the most effective techniques for gathering and prioritizing user requirements during the initial phases of a project?

Question

Specifically, I'd like to know which methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, workshops) have proven most successful in your experience and how you approach prioritizing these requirements to ensure alignment with business goals and stakeholder expectations. Any tips on managing conflicting requirements would also be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Mark,

it would be helpful if you can define what do you mean by users? Is it like users of a tech product or … in a more traditional consulting world it would be stakeholders (e.g., client counter-parts)?

If the former, I think all the good product management tools and techniques are your go-to; but bear in mind that is not the bread and butter of management consulting.

Best,

Ariadna

Answer 2

If this is about tech, I suggest starting with interviews. If it is something used by many people you should have a workshop for alignment (and to go more in-depth on a few topics and to solve any conflicts as well).