Mastering the Requirements Process, 4th Edition

4

The Value of Solving the Problem

In the previous chapter, we talked about finding the real problem. It is not always easy to do that, so you might prefer to come at it another way. Solving the customer’s real problem will provide value to him. So perhaps you might try starting by thinking about what value your solution will bring to your customer.

Start with a simple question: Does your customer value your solution? Simply because you deliver some software (or service or product) does not necessarily mean that the customer receives any value. The customer can only receive value if you solve the real problem. So, it follows that the real problem to solve is the one whose solution enables the customer to realize value when he uses it. The real ...