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What are the most effective techniques for gathering and prioritizing user requirements during the initial phases of a project?

Specifically, I'd like to know which methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, workshops) have proven most successful in your experience and how you approach prioritizing these requirements to ensure alignment with business goals and stakeholder expectations. Any tips on managing conflicting requirements would also be appreciated.

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Ariadna
Coach
on Jul 16, 2024
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School

Hi Mark, 

it would be helpful if you can define what do you mean by users? Is it like users of a tech product or … in a more traditional consulting world it would be stakeholders (e.g., client counter-parts)?  

If the former, I think all the good product management tools and techniques are your go-to; but bear in mind that is not the bread and butter of management consulting. 

Best, 

Ariadna 

Pedro
Coach
on Jul 25, 2024
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

If this is about tech, I suggest starting with interviews. If it is something used by many people you should have a workshop for alignment (and to go more in-depth on a few topics and to solve any conflicts as well).

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