Which format is typically best for presenting complex requirements to stakeholders clearly?

Visual models and diagrams are often the best format for presenting complex requirements to stakeholders because they simplify complex information and foster better understanding. These visual tools leverage graphical representations such as flowcharts, UML diagrams, or wireframes, allowing stakeholders to see relationships, processes, and systems at a glance. By converting complex concepts into visual formats, they reduce cognitive load, which helps in clarifying intricate details that may be overwhelming when conveyed through text or spoken words.

Visual aids can enhance engagement and retention since they provide a clear and concise depiction of information. Stakeholders can more readily identify gaps in understanding, facilitate discussions, and provide feedback based on a visual context, which is often more effective in communicating intricate ideas compared to written reports or verbal presentations, which may not clearly delineate the relationships and components involved. Furthermore, detailed spreadsheets, while useful for data analysis, can be cumbersome and difficult to interpret in the context of complex requirements where visual context is crucial for comprehensive communication.