Elicitation is the activity of drawing out information from stakeholders and other sources to understand business needs, address problems or opportunities, and determine stakeholder preferences for a solution. It is a critical step in business analysis and project planning.
Key Aspects of Elicitation
- Extracts Valuable Insights – Gathers key information from stakeholders.
- Clarifies Business Needs – Helps refine project requirements.
- Facilitates Decision-Making – Provides a foundation for solution development.
- Uses Structured Techniques – Employs multiple methods to capture diverse perspectives.
Common Elicitation Techniques
| Technique | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Interviews | One-on-one discussions to gather detailed insights. | Understanding individual stakeholder needs. |
| Workshops | Group discussions to collect broad input. | Aligning teams and resolving conflicting requirements. |
| Surveys & Questionnaires | Collecting structured feedback from multiple stakeholders. | Gathering quantitative data efficiently. |
| Observation | Watching end-users perform tasks to identify pain points. | Understanding real-world workflows. |
| Prototyping | Using mockups or wireframes to refine requirements. | Validating user experience and functionality. |
Example Scenarios
Software Development
A product team conducts stakeholder interviews to gather requirements for a new customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Construction Project
An architect holds design workshops with clients to define building layout preferences and functional requirements.
Marketing Strategy
A company runs customer surveys to identify brand perception and tailor marketing campaigns accordingly.
Why Elicitation Matters
- Ensures Clear & Complete Requirements – Reduces scope ambiguity.
- Aligns Stakeholders on Needs & Expectations – Prevents misalignment.
- Improves Solution Relevance – Ensures final deliverables meet actual business needs.
- Supports Risk Management – Identifies hidden risks early in the process.
See also: Requirements Gathering, Stakeholder Analysis, Business Needs Assessment, Facilitation Techniques.