10 Tips for Requirement Writing

Here are 10 tips for requirement writing:

1. Write atomic requirements that stand alone. Use “Shall“ where requirements are being stated, “Will” when representing statements of facts; and “Should” to present a goal that needs to be achieved.
2. Make them easy to read and jargon free. Form a complete sentence devoid of loose terms, buzzwords, or acronyms.
3. Avoid using let-out clauses or ambiguity such as but, except, if necessary, etc., etc.
4. Use a subject (user/system) and a predicate (intended result, action or condition).
5. Write what is wanted not how it is done.
6. Avoid indefinable terms like user-friendly, versatile, robust, approximately, minimal impact, etc. Select aspects that are measurable.
7. Don’t make references to unreachable documents or requirements yet to be defined.
8. Avoid conflicting statements.
9. Make them achievable.
10. Use positive statements “The system shall…”, not “The system shall not…”.