How do you collect user requirements?

This question is asking about your process for gathering the needs, wants, and expectations of end-users when you are working on a project. It's essentially looking for information on your methods of research, communication, and documentation used when identifying and defining user requirements for a project or product. This can be in the context of software development, product management, business analysis, etc. It's important to demonstrate your understanding of the important steps including interviewing stakeholders, conducting surveys or workshops, brainstorming, developing use cases, etc., and how you implement these techniques effectively.

In collecting user requirements, I follow a systematic process starting with identifying key stakeholders, then conducting individual or group interviews and/or workshops with them to get their inputs. I use these discussions to understand their expectations, problems, and the characteristics of the solution that they envisage. Besides this, I use tools like questionnaires and surveys to reach a broader audience, especially if the user base is large and diverse. After gathering requirements, I document them in a structured document - usually a use case document or a user story log - and then verify and validate them with stakeholders to ensure that I have correctly understood their needs.

My approach to collecting user requirements is primarily research-based, beginning with understanding the business context and the user's goals. I start with stakeholder interviews and informal discussions to gauge their expectations and identify potential challenges. I also utilize surveys and questionnaires, especially when dealing with a large user base, to collect quantitative data. Furthermore, I often employ observation methods to understand user behavior in their natural environment, which can be quite insightful. Using brainstorming sessions, I work with stakeholders and users to generate creative ideas for solutions. Once I have collected these requirements, I create detailed documentation outlining these needs, and I often use prototyping as a means of validating these requirements to ensure all parties are on the same page regarding the intent of the project.