What is one of the greatest challenges during the requirements gathering phase?

Understanding user expectations clearly is one of the greatest challenges during the requirements gathering phase because this phase involves collecting and documenting what users need from a system or solution. Users may not articulate their needs explicitly, as they might lack technical knowledge or have difficulty envisioning how the new system will fit into their workflows. Miscommunication at this stage can lead to misaligned requirements, which can result in a final product that doesn’t meet the users' needs or solve their problems effectively.

Effective requirements gathering demands skills in active listening, probing deeper into user responses, and sometimes translating vague ideas into concrete requirements that developers can work with. It is essential to involve users in discussions and use techniques such as interviews, surveys, and workshops to draw out their expectations. This not only aids in a clearer understanding of what is needed but also helps foster user buy-in and enthusiasm for the project.

While challenges like finding sufficient technical documentation, convincing users to adopt new systems, and installing new software are significant, they tend to be more related to process and execution rather than the foundational understanding of what users truly expect from a system. Understanding user expectations lays the groundwork for successfully addressing these other areas later in the project lifecycle.