Why do I need to plan how to measure requirements?

The success of your project or solution will ultimately be judged by how well it meets the documented requirements. Therefore, it's imperative to draw up the requirements as clearly, unambiguously, and accurately as possible. It's difficult to overemphasize the extent to which the requirements planning process success depends on carefully thinking through how you'll measure the requirements, and how you'll demonstrate that the requirements will meet the expectations of the stakeholders. Consider these tips when developing your Requirements Measurement Plan.

• Plan ahead to have peers review the requirements.
• When you write the requirements, take time to ensure that they are well-written: readable, in plain language, not clogged with important-sounding but unclear business writing "techno-babble."
• Well in advance, establish the appropriate level of "done-ness"—i.e., how good will "good enough" be at every step of the way.
• Determine the criteria for ensuring that the requirements will be testable.
• Define your plans for measuring, prioritizing, and categorizing the requirements.