What technique is commonly used to gather requirements through discussions with stakeholders?

Interviews are a highly effective technique for gathering requirements through discussions with stakeholders. This method allows for in-depth one-on-one conversations, which facilitate a deeper understanding of stakeholder needs, preferences, and concerns. During an interview, the business analyst can ask open-ended questions, which encourage stakeholders to express their thoughts in detail, provide context, and clarify any uncertainties regarding their requirements.

The flexibility of interviews allows for the exploration of complex topics and the ability to read non-verbal cues, further enriching the quality of information gathered. They can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the objective, which enables the analyst to adapt the interview process to fit the situation and stakeholder's communication style.

While other techniques, such as surveys or focus groups, are also valid for requirement gathering, they typically lack the depth and personalization that interviews provide. Surveys might gather quantitative data but often miss nuanced insights. Focus groups involve multiple stakeholders which can lead to group think, diminishing individual viewpoints. Therefore, interviews stand out as the most direct and personal approach to understanding stakeholders’ requirements comprehensively.