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Requirements Template

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Use this template to create comprehensive requirements documents using the EARS (Easy Approach to Requirements Syntax) format.

Document Information

  • Feature Name: [Your Feature Name]
  • Version: 1.0
  • Date: [Current Date]
  • Author: [Your Name]
  • Stakeholders: [List key stakeholders]

Introduction

[Provide a clear, concise overview of the feature. Explain what problem it solves and why it's needed. Keep this section to 2-3 paragraphs maximum.]

Feature Summary

[One sentence summary of what this feature does]

Business Value

[Explain the business value and expected outcomes]

Scope

[Define what is included and excluded from this feature]

Requirements

Requirement 1: [Requirement Title]

User Story: As a [role/user type], I want [desired functionality], so that [benefit/value].

Acceptance Criteria

  1. WHEN [specific event or trigger] THEN [system name] SHALL [specific system response]
  2. IF [condition or state] THEN [system name] SHALL [required behavior]
  3. WHILE [ongoing condition] [system name] SHALL [continuous behavior]
  4. WHERE [context or location] [system name] SHALL [contextual behavior]

Additional Details

  • Priority: [High/Medium/Low]
  • Complexity: [High/Medium/Low]
  • Dependencies: [List any dependencies on other requirements or systems]
  • Assumptions: [List any assumptions made]

Requirement 2: [Requirement Title]

User Story: As a [role/user type], I want [desired functionality], so that [benefit/value].

Acceptance Criteria

  1. WHEN [specific event or trigger] THEN [system name] SHALL [specific system response]
  2. IF [condition or state] THEN [system name] SHALL [required behavior]

Additional Details

  • Priority: [High/Medium/Low]
  • Complexity: [High/Medium/Low]
  • Dependencies: [List any dependencies]
  • Assumptions: [List any assumptions]

Requirement 3: [Requirement Title]

User Story: As a [role/user type], I want [desired functionality], so that [benefit/value].

Acceptance Criteria

  1. WHEN [specific event or trigger] THEN [system name] SHALL [specific system response]
  2. IF [condition or state] THEN [system name] SHALL [required behavior]

Additional Details

  • Priority: [High/Medium/Low]
  • Complexity: [High/Medium/Low]
  • Dependencies: [List any dependencies]
  • Assumptions: [List any assumptions]

Non-Functional Requirements

Performance Requirements

  • WHEN [load condition] THEN [system name] SHALL [performance criteria]
  • IF [usage scenario] THEN [system name] SHALL [response time requirement]

Security Requirements

  • WHEN [security event] THEN [system name] SHALL [security response]
  • IF [authentication condition] THEN [system name] SHALL [access control behavior]

Usability Requirements

  • WHEN [user interaction] THEN [system name] SHALL [usability standard]
  • IF [accessibility condition] THEN [system name] SHALL [accessibility compliance]

Reliability Requirements

  • WHEN [failure condition] THEN [system name] SHALL [recovery behavior]
  • IF [error state] THEN [system name] SHALL [error handling response]

Constraints and Assumptions

Technical Constraints

  • [List technical limitations or constraints]
  • [Include platform, technology, or integration constraints]

Business Constraints

  • [List business rules or policy constraints]
  • [Include budget, timeline, or resource constraints]

Assumptions

  • [List assumptions about user behavior]
  • [Include assumptions about system environment]
  • [Note assumptions about external dependencies]

Success Criteria

Definition of Done

  • [ ] All acceptance criteria are met
  • [ ] Non-functional requirements are satisfied
  • [ ] Integration requirements are fulfilled
  • [ ] Testing criteria are passed

Acceptance Metrics

  • [Define measurable success criteria]
  • [Include performance benchmarks]
  • [Specify quality gates]

Glossary

Term Definition
[Term 1] [Clear definition]
[Term 2] [Clear definition]
[Term 3] [Clear definition]

Requirements Review Checklist

Use this checklist to validate your requirements document:

Completeness

  • [ ] All user stories have clear roles, features, and benefits
  • [ ] Each requirement has specific acceptance criteria using EARS format
  • [ ] Non-functional requirements are addressed
  • [ ] Success criteria are defined and measurable

Quality

  • [ ] Requirements are written in active voice
  • [ ] Each acceptance criterion is testable
  • [ ] Requirements avoid implementation details
  • [ ] Terminology is consistent throughout

EARS Format Validation

  • [ ] WHEN statements describe specific events or triggers
  • [ ] IF statements describe clear conditions or states
  • [ ] WHILE statements describe continuous behaviors
  • [ ] WHERE statements describe specific contexts
  • [ ] All statements use SHALL for system responses

Clarity

  • [ ] Requirements are unambiguous
  • [ ] Technical jargon is explained in glossary
  • [ ] Stakeholders can understand all requirements
  • [ ] No conflicting requirements exist

Traceability

  • [ ] Requirements are numbered and organized
  • [ ] Dependencies between requirements are clear
  • [ ] Requirements link to business objectives
  • [ ] Assumptions and constraints are documented

Tips for Writing Good Requirements

Do's

  • Use active voice and specific language
  • Focus on what the system should do, not how
  • Make each requirement testable and verifiable
  • Include both positive and negative scenarios
  • Consider edge cases and error conditions

Don'ts

  • Don't use vague terms like "user-friendly" or "fast"
  • Don't combine multiple requirements in one statement
  • Don't specify implementation details
  • Don't use subjective or unmeasurable criteria
  • Don't forget to consider non-functional aspects

Common EARS Patterns

Event-Driven (WHEN) - User actions: "WHEN user clicks submit button" - System events: "WHEN data sync completes" - Time-based: "WHEN daily backup runs"

Condition-Based (IF) - State checks: "IF user is authenticated" - Data validation: "IF input is invalid" - Permission checks: "IF user has admin role"

Continuous (WHILE) - Ongoing processes: "WHILE file is uploading" - Monitoring: "WHILE system is running" - Real-time updates: "WHILE user is typing"

Contextual (WHERE) - Platform-specific: "WHERE application runs on mobile" - Environment-specific: "WHERE system is in production" - Location-specific: "WHERE user is in restricted area"

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