4. Developing Prioritized List of Specifications
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The Anatomy of a Specification * **Chunk Text:** A specification is a precise, measurable statement. It moves beyond vague desires to technical requirements. * **Detailed Explanation:** If you tell a manufacturer you want a "light" product, they might make it 2kg. If you meant 200g, you have a problem. "Measurable" means using numbers, units, and clear "Pass/Fail" criteria. * **Real-Life Example or Analogy:** Itβs like a recipe. "Add some salt" is a vague goal. "Add 5 grams of sea salt" is a specification. One leads to inconsistent flavor; the other ensures the dish is exactly the same every time.
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A specification is a precise, measurable statement. It moves beyond vague desires to technical requirements.
* Detailed Explanation: If you tell a manufacturer you want a "light" product, they might make it 2kg. If you meant 200g, you have a problem. "Measurable" means using numbers, units, and clear "Pass/Fail" criteria.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: Itβs like a recipe. "Add some salt" is a vague goal. "Add 5 grams of sea salt" is a specification. One leads to inconsistent flavor; the other ensures the dish is exactly the same every time.
Detailed Explanation
If you tell a manufacturer you want a "light" product, they might make it 2kg. If you meant 200g, you have a problem. "Measurable" means using numbers, units, and clear "Pass/Fail" criteria.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: Itβs like a recipe. "Add some salt" is a vague goal. "Add 5 grams of sea salt" is a specification. One leads to inconsistent flavor; the other ensures the dish is exactly the same every time.
Examples & Analogies
Itβs like a recipe. "Add some salt" is a vague goal. "Add 5 grams of sea salt" is a specification. One leads to inconsistent flavor; the other ensures the dish is exactly the same every time.
Ranking Your Requirements * **Chunk Text:** Not all specifications carry the same weight. Prioritization helps manage limited resources and time. * **Detailed Explanation:** You cannot satisfy all users perfectly. By ranking your specs, you ensure that if a sacrifice is made during production, it only affects the low-priority, aesthetic areas rather than the safety or core function. * **Real-Life Example or Analogy:** When packing for a hike, water is a "Must-have." A camera is "Important." A portable speaker is "Optional." If your bag is too heavy, the speaker stays home so you don't dehydrate. --
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Chapter Content
Not all specifications carry the same weight. Prioritization helps manage limited resources and time.
* Detailed Explanation: You cannot satisfy all users perfectly. By ranking your specs, you ensure that if a sacrifice is made during production, it only affects the low-priority, aesthetic areas rather than the safety or core function.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: When packing for a hike, water is a "Must-have." A camera is "Important." A portable speaker is "Optional." If your bag is too heavy, the speaker stays home so you don't dehydrate.
--
Detailed Explanation
You cannot satisfy all users perfectly. By ranking your specs, you ensure that if a sacrifice is made during production, it only affects the low-priority, aesthetic areas rather than the safety or core function.
* Real-Life Example or Analogy: When packing for a hike, water is a "Must-have." A camera is "Important." A portable speaker is "Optional." If your bag is too heavy, the speaker stays home so you don't dehydrate.
--
Examples & Analogies
When packing for a hike, water is a "Must-have." A camera is "Important." A portable speaker is "Optional." If your bag is too heavy, the speaker stays home so you don't dehydrate.
Key Concepts
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Measurability: Using units (, , , ) to ensure a spec can be objectively tested.
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Hierarchy of Needs: Categorizing requirements from "Deal-breakers" to "Bonuses."
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Trade-off Management: Making informed decisions when two specifications conflict (e.g., Strength vs. Weight).
Examples & Applications
Functionality: The lid must remain airtight for at least 48 hours under standard pressure.
Sustainability: At least of the materials used must be biodegradable within 180 days in a backyard compost.
Safety: The product must have no sharp edges with a radius of less than .
Memory Aids
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Memory Tools
MUST > SHOULD > COULD** β The hierarchy of design needs.
Memory Tools
Specifications are the "Entrance Exam" for your design. If it doesn't pass the "Must-have" questions, it doesn't get the job.
Rhymes
"If it can't be measured, it can't be tested. If it isn't prioritized, your time is wasted."
Flash Cards
Glossary
- MoSCoW
A prioritization technique used in management and design (Must, Should, Could, Won't have).
Reference links
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