5.3 - Functional Requirements
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Defining Functional Requirements
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Today, weβll explore functional requirements. Can anyone tell me what they think functional requirements are?
Are they the actions a system can perform?
Exactly! Functional requirements specify the actions a system must take. They describe **what the system should do** based on user needs. It's important to remember that they are derived from stakeholder needs.
Could you give us some examples?
Sure! For instance, 'The system shall allow users to reset passwords via email' is a functional requirement. Itβs clear and describes a specific action.
How do we know if these requirements are correct?
Good question! Validating functional requirements is key. We can ensure clarity by aligning them with acceptance criteria.
To summarize, functional requirements define what the system does, are measurable and arise from stakeholder needs.
Characteristics of Functional Requirements
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Let's dig deeper into the characteristics of functional requirements. Can anyone remember what makes them unique?
They are action-oriented and measurable?
Right! They must specify clear actions. Additionally, they should be system-specific, meaning they focus on what the system can and cannot do.
Are all requirements equally important?
They all serve a purpose, but functional requirements are critical because without them, the system's functionality may not meet user expectations.
What happens if we miss some functional requirements?
Missing requirements can lead to system failure or user dissatisfaction. Therefore, gathering and documenting them thoroughly is essential.
So remember, functional requirements need to be action-oriented, specific, and derived from stakeholder needs.
Deliverables Related to Functional Requirements
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Weβve discussed what functional requirements are. Now, letβs talk about how we document them. What documentation do you think is associated with functional requirements?
I think thereβs something called the Functional Requirements Specification?
Correct! The Functional Requirements Specification, or FRS, is a comprehensive document containing all functional requirements. What else can you think of?
User stories and use cases?
Exactly! User stories and use cases transform functional requirements into scenarios that describe how users will interact with the system.
And what about visual aids?
Absolutely! Wireframes and flow diagrams help visualize the functionality, making it easier to understand how users will navigate the system.
In summary, documenting functional requirements can take many forms: FRS, user stories, and visual diagrams are crucial.
The BA's Role in Functional Requirements
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Finally, letβs talk about the role of a Business Analyst in defining functional requirements. What do you think their responsibilities are?
They gather the requirements from stakeholders, right?
Exactly! BAs identify and document stakeholder needs. But thatβs just the beginning; they also play a role in ensuring clear communication.
And validating those requirements?
Yes, validation is key! BAs ensure requirements can be verified with acceptance criteria.
And they work with developers to clarify requirements?
Absolutely! BAs must collaborate with developers to ensure their needs are implemented correctly. Itβs a vital role that connects stakeholders and technical teams.
In conclusion, BAs gather, validate, and clarify functional requirements, ensuring the final product satisfies user needs.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, functional requirements are defined as a key part of requirement engineering, outlining system capabilities and actions, arising directly from stakeholder needs. The importance of documenting and validating these requirements to ensure system alignment with user expectations is emphasized.
Detailed
Functional Requirements
Functional requirements are a crucial aspect of requirement engineering that articulate what a system should do. They specify the system's behavior in terms of functionalities and actions, derived directly from the needs of stakeholders and users.
Key Characteristics
- System-Specific: Functional requirements focus on specific functionalities of the system.
- Action-Oriented and Measurable: They detail actions that the system must perform and can be measured to confirm correctness.
- Derived from Stakeholder Needs: These are shaped by the desires and requirements expressed by stakeholders.
Examples of Functional Requirements
- The system shall allow users to reset passwords via email.
- A user can filter products by category, price, and brand.
- Payment gateway should support credit card and UPI options.
Important Deliverables
Functional requirements should be documented in several formats, including:
- Functional Requirements Specification (FRS)
- User Stories or Use Cases
- Wireframes and Flow Diagrams
Role of Business Analyst (BA)
The BA's role includes translating stakeholder needs into clear features for developers, ensuring these requirements are understood and verifiable through acceptance criteria.
By defining functional requirements explicitly, BAs help in the successful implementation of systems that meet user expectations.
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Definition of Functional Requirements
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Chapter Content
Detailed description of the system behavior and functionalities. These requirements define what the system should do.
Detailed Explanation
Functional requirements provide a clear overview of what functionalities are expected from a system. They specify actions that the system must execute, ensuring that all intended uses of the system are covered. This helps in defining the tasks the system must perform to satisfy stakeholder needs.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a functional requirement as a recipe in cooking. Just like a recipe lists all the ingredients and steps to create a dish, functional requirements list out the specific actions the system needs to perform to meet user expectations.
Key Characteristics of Functional Requirements
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Chapter Content
β System-specific
β Action-oriented and measurable
β Derived from stakeholder needs
Detailed Explanation
Functional requirements highlight that they are designed specifically for a given system, capture measurable actions (like 'the system should allow users to reset passwords'), and are based on the needs expressed by stakeholders. This means that they are not abstract ideas; they directly relate to what users expect the system to accomplish.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how a gym membership system needs to allow users to sign up or cancel their membership. Each of these actions is a measurable task tied closely to what the users expect from the system.
Examples of Functional Requirements
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Chapter Content
β The system shall allow users to reset passwords via email
β A user can filter products by category, price, and brand
β Payment gateway should support credit card and UPI options
Detailed Explanation
These examples show specific behaviors that the system must exhibit. For instance, the password reset feature ensures user security, filtering products enhances user experience when shopping, and support for multiple payment methods caters to diverse user preferences. Each one is a clear indication of what the system must do to fulfill its purpose.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a website where you can shop for clothes online. If you can filter products by size or color, that functionality is a practical requirement of the online shopping experience, making it easier for you to find what you want quickly.
Deliverables for Functional Requirements
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
β Functional Requirements Specification (FRS)
β User Stories / Use Cases
β Wireframes and Flow Diagrams
Detailed Explanation
The deliverables serve as documents that formalize and communicate the functional requirements. The FRS contains detailed descriptions of functionalities, user stories encapsulate user interaction scenarios, and wireframes/flow diagrams provide visual representations of how users will interact with the system.
Examples & Analogies
When designing a new mobile app, the wireframes act like a blueprint for an architect. Just as blueprints detail the layout of a building before construction, wireframes and diagrams help developers understand how features should be implemented.
BA's Role in Functional Requirements
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Chapter Content
β Translate stakeholder needs into system features
β Collaborate with developers and QA to ensure clarity
β Validate functionality through acceptance criteria
Detailed Explanation
The Business Analyst (BA) acts as a key communicator who transforms stakeholder needs into actionable requirements for developers. This role includes ensuring that everyone involved has a shared understanding of functionalities, as well as checking that the system meets predefined criteria for performance and user satisfaction.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a translator at a conference who helps speakers and attendees understand each other. Similarly, a BA ensures that what stakeholders want is effectively communicated to the technical team, enabling the development of a system that meets user needs.
Key Concepts
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Functional Requirements: The specific behaviors and functionalities that a system must perform.
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Functional Requirements Specification (FRS): A document detailing all functional requirements.
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Stakeholder Needs: The requirements expressed by users and other stakeholders guiding what the system should do.
Examples & Applications
The system shall allow users to reset passwords via email.
A user can filter products by category, price, and brand.
Payment gateway should support credit card and UPI options.
Important Deliverables
Functional requirements should be documented in several formats, including:
Functional Requirements Specification (FRS)
User Stories or Use Cases
Wireframes and Flow Diagrams
Role of Business Analyst (BA)
The BA's role includes translating stakeholder needs into clear features for developers, ensuring these requirements are understood and verifiable through acceptance criteria.
By defining functional requirements explicitly, BAs help in the successful implementation of systems that meet user expectations.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Requirements meant to function, specify actions with clear instruction.
Stories
Imagine a user needing to reset their password. The system must provide a clear path to do that, which illustrates a functional requirement.
Memory Tools
F-U-N-C-T-I-O-N: 'Functional's Unique Needs Create Tangible Interactions On Navigation.'
Acronyms
FRS
Functional Requirements Specification
the guide to what actions a system must follow.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Functional Requirements
Detailed descriptions of the behaviors and functionalities that a system must perform.
- Functional Requirements Specification (FRS)
A comprehensive document outlining all functional requirements of a system.
- User Stories
Short narratives that describe how a user interacts with a system to achieve a specific goal.
- Use Cases
Descriptions of how users will interact with a system to complete tasks.
Reference links
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