There’s a common refrain at the end of unsuccessful projects: "The requirements weren't clear." Fingers get pointed, blame is thrown around, and no one is happy. But surely this has never happened to you...right? Gathering requirements is equal parts art and science, and the success of your entire project depends on doing it right. No matter what project methodology you're using, there are some simple rules that can help you collect and document the right information upfront, so that your team knows what to build and your client gets what they need (not just what they say they want). You’ll leave this interactive session armed with tools you can begin using immediately to make your next project a success. We’ll cover topics ranging from active listening (a real-life Jedi mind trick!) to transparent note-taking to accounting for invisible stakeholders. With 15 years of experience working at digital agencies in a variety of roles for government, nonprofit and corporate clients, I understand requirements gathering needs from the user experience, development and business perspectives. And as an improviser and improv comedy teacher -- my improv workshop at SXSW in 2010 was voted an audience favorite -- I know how to keep things interesting.

1. Successful
Requirements Gathering
Drupal GovCon
#goodreqs
Jordan Hirsch
Director of Digital Strategy,
Phase2
@jordanhirsch

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Questions?

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Jordan Hirsch
Director of Digital Strategy,
Phase2
Email: jhirsch@phase2technology.com
Twitter: @jordanhirsch
Who Am I? Why Am I Here?

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Tell Me What You Want
(And I'll Give You
What You Need)
Rock’n’Rollers/Project Managers
-The Doobie Brothers
“ ”
Today’s Theme:

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The Problem

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What Are
Requirements,
Anyway?

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We can’t afford
a Discovery
phase!
Everywhere
-Everyone
“ ”

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Why Are We Here?

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What Matters Most?

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Active Listening

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Why Ask Why?

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Know Your Stakeholders

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But We Used To Do It That Way!

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Put Down The (Drupal) Hammer

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You’re Only Human

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It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over

17. PHASE2TECHNOLOGY.COM
More Questions?
THANK YOU!
Jordan Hirsch | @jordanhirsch