Need help about fact finding

[roubesh14]

Hello
Iam about to develop a software and am having difficulties to understand how the system should be.


[EDITED]
ok ok guys
Well i need help of how to carry out fact finding so that i can define what the system am working on should do.

i ve read that i must do interviews, questionnaires,observation ...etcc
hope u understand me :P



thank u vey much

[penagate]

Elicidation?
Hoe questionaire?

Can you explain what you're after?

[mendhak]

I don't really understand you, so I'm going to take a stab in the dark (at penagate because he can't punctuate).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softwar...ent_life_cycle

[penagate]

First you isolate the problem. Then you identify any constraints in place. Then, design a solution, and finally build and implement it.

There's no law that says you have to do questionnaires or quizzes. In fact, that sounds a bit high-school-ish. Just discuss the problem and the proposed solution(s) with the client normally. Usually the client has already identified the problem and what they want out of any potential solution so your job is just to design and implement said solution within the client's constraints.

[roubesh14]

thanks for your replies guys

[DNA7433]

Let me interject a warning. Although the client says they know what they want, they usually don't. They have a broad understanding of the problem they are trying to solve through software, and you have to first gain that understanding as well. But after that you have to explore the solution with the client. Don't be afraid to ask questions - if you are unsure about something, chances are they haven't thought much about it either or the two of you aren't communicating very well. Also, don't let them bully the discussion. Most often if you don't understand a requirement and you keep asking questions they will use the same language over and over again until you think you get it, but later on it still doesn't make sense. You have to get them to explain difficult topics in multiple ways to gain the understanding necessary to produce a solution that will work.

Also, try to develop a vocabulary that you use on the project. Use specific words to describe things and make sure everyone understands those words and always use those words when talking about that thing. Don't introduce new words into the vocabulary halfway through the project unless everyone decides the new words are necessary.

Your project will constantly evolve as you show the client bits and pieces of your work in progress. They will always request changes to their initial requirements.