By David Kidd
9/1/23

Why Software Consultants Often Overlook Requirements Writing—and Why It Matters

Software consultants often prioritize areas such as system design, implementation, and troubleshooting over the critical task of requirements writing. While this approach may align with the immediate demands of their role, it often overlooks the foundational importance of well-defined requirements in ensuring project success. Here are the key reasons behind this tendency, along with insights into its impact:

1. Perception of Value

Clients typically engage consultants for their specialized technical expertise and expect them to deliver immediate solutions to pressing issues. This creates a dynamic where consultants focus on tangible, high-visibility outcomes—like system designs, prototypes, or resolving technical problems—over less visible but equally critical activities like requirements gathering.

Elaboration:
The emphasis on visible deliverables stems from a desire to demonstrate value quickly. While stakeholders may acknowledge the importance of requirements, they often see the immediate benefits of implementation over the less tangible benefits of thorough requirements engineering. As a result, consultants may deprioritize foundational activities, even though poor requirements can undermine the project’s long-term success.
 

2. Time Constraints

Consultants are often hired for short-term engagements with tight deadlines. This time pressure can make the detailed process of eliciting, refining, and documenting requirements seem impractical or outside the scope of their role.

Elaboration:
Effective requirements gathering involves extensive stakeholder engagement, iterative reviews, and careful documentation, which can be time-intensive. When timelines are compressed, consultants may focus on execution tasks that provide quick wins or fit better within the allotted time. However, skipping or rushing through requirements gathering increases the likelihood of misaligned expectations and costly rework later.
 

3. Assumption of Existing Requirements

Consultants frequently assume that clients have already established clear, actionable requirements before their engagement begins. This assumption shifts their attention to execution, such as designing solutions or addressing technical challenges, rather than revisiting or refining the project’s foundational requirements.

Elaboration:
In reality, clients often lack fully developed or well-communicated requirements. Consultants who fail to recognize this gap risk building solutions on incomplete or inaccurate foundations. While it may not initially seem like their responsibility, consultants who proactively address requirements can significantly improve the overall project outcome and client satisfaction.
 

4. Specialization Focus

Many consultants are highly specialized in technical domains and may lack formal training in requirements engineering. Their expertise and comfort zone lie in areas like system architecture, coding, and performance optimization, naturally drawing their attention away from requirements.

Elaboration:
The technical focus of most consultants is valuable, but an over-reliance on this specialization can create blind spots in areas like requirements engineering. Consultants who invest in cross-training or collaboration with business analysts and product managers can bridge this gap, ensuring that their technical solutions align more closely with the client’s needs and expectations.
 

5. Financial Disincentive

Consultants may intentionally avoid emphasizing requirements writing because doing so can reduce a client’s reliance on their services. Clear and well-documented requirements empower internal teams to execute projects more effectively, potentially reducing the need for ongoing consulting support. Consultants may instead focus on areas like troubleshooting or rework that arise from poorly defined requirements, which can lead to extended engagements.

Elaboration:
While focusing on requirements might seem counterproductive to a consultant’s business interests, this short-term thinking can damage relationships and reputations. Consultants who help clients establish strong foundations demonstrate integrity and competence, which can lead to repeat engagements and referrals. They also position themselves as trusted advisors rather than mere troubleshooters.
 

The Cost of Overlooking Requirements Writing

While deprioritizing requirements writing might align with a consultant’s immediate goals, it often comes at a significant cost to the client and the project:

• Increased Risk: Vague or incomplete requirements lead to misaligned expectations, scope creep, and higher likelihood of failure.
• Costly Rework: Without clear requirements, teams often need to revisit earlier stages of the project, delaying delivery and inflating budgets.
• Strained Relationships: Misaligned outcomes and unmet expectations can erode trust between clients and consultants.

Why Consultants Should Embrace Requirements Writing

Consultants who prioritize requirements engineering contribute to better project outcomes and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Here’s how:

1. Delivering Higher-Quality Solutions: Well-defined requirements ensure that the delivered solution aligns with the client’s needs and expectations, reducing the risk of failure.
2. Building Stronger Client Relationships: By demonstrating a commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of project challenges, consultants build trust and position themselves as strategic partners.
3. Creating Long-Term Value: Clients with successful projects are more likely to engage consultants for future work, whether for scaling solutions, addressing new challenges, or exploring opportunities for innovation.

Conclusion

While it’s understandable why software consultants often focus on technical execution over requirements writing, this approach overlooks the critical role of clear, well-documented requirements in achieving project success. By recognizing the value of requirements engineering, consultants can not only improve project outcomes but also enhance their reputation and build stronger, more sustainable client relationships. In the long run, investing time in requirements benefits both the client and the consultant, creating a win-win scenario.