141⟩ What can be done if requirements are changing continuously?
A common problem and a major headache.
- Work with the project's stakeholders early on to understand how requirements might change so that alternate test plans and strategies can be worked out in advance, if possible.
- It's helpful if the application's initial design allows for some adaptability so that later changes do not require redoing the application from scratch.
- If the code is well-commented and well-documented this makes changes easier for the developers.
- Use rapid prototyping whenever possible to help customers feel sure of their requirements and minimize changes.
- The project's initial schedule should allow for some extra time commensurate with the possibility of changes.
- Try to move new requirements to a 'Phase 2' version of an application, while using the original requirements for the 'Phase 1' version.
- Negotiate to allow only easily-implemented new requirements into the project, while moving more difficult new requirements into future versions of the application.
- Be sure that customers and management understand the scheduling impacts, inherent risks, and costs of significant requirements changes. Then let management or the customers (not the developers or testers) decide if the changes are warranted - after all, that's their job.