BAs and PMs use hundreds of tools and techniques to boost the quality of their requirements practices. From simple to complex, things like brainstorming, user interviews, traceability maps, context diagrams, and detailed data models help us gather information needed to generate requirements for an effective and valuable solution. And yet, with so many tools and techniques to choose from, dry-erase markers remain at the top of my “requirements toolbox” supply list.
How do dry-erase markers defend us in the battle against bad requirements?
- They inspire visual communication. Every time your project team relies solely on talking and scribing to gather information, you risk missing important details. A picture offers context. It gives stakeholders a place to start the conversation and take the conversation deeper.
- They capture short attention spans. It’s amazing how a team member with even questionable drawing skills can capture and focus the attention of rambling stakeholders by creating a simple picture on a whiteboard.
- They keep details in check. Project meetings can often get lost in a never ending circle of details. Due to space limitations, using whiteboards and dry-erase markers can often keep meetings on track by preventing team members from swimming too far into the weeds.
Here are few tips to get the most out of your dry erase markers:
- BYOM: Conference rooms are notorious for missing, broken, or dry dry-erase markers. Bring your own!
- Get out of the conference room. Whiteboards come in all sizes. They can be portable–take them to the users or take them outside! A new perspective or change of scenery might boost creativity.
- You don’t need a whiteboard. Dry erase markers work on windows, mirrors, packing tape, acrylic, and more. When in doubt, test the surface first.
- Get virtual. Most organizations have virtual meeting tools like GoToMeeting or WebEx. These tools offer virtual whiteboards and virtual dry-erase markers. Use them! (Just like you would in a conference room.) Save or share them when the meeting ends.
- Use color. Use different colors to identify current state and future state, to identify teams or user groups, to show priority, to show manual versus automated…
- Dry-erase markers have a secret power. Why do people put permanent markers on the whiteboard tray? Well, if you accidentally use permanent marker on your whiteboard, writing over the top of the permanent marker with your dry-erase marker, then erasing, will magically remove the stain!
Do you have any simple secret weapons? Share them by emailing info@ba-squared.com and we will publish them in the next edition of BA-Squared News.