Requirements Matter: Building Software Right from the Start

Far too many software projects crash not because of poor coding, but because of poor planning. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore why requirements matter more than ever. They dive deep into the foundational role that clearly defined, testable, and outcome-focused requirements play in delivering successful software projects.

With insights drawn from hands-on experience and AI-generated discussion points, the episode uncovers how misaligned expectations and incomplete planning can derail even the most promising initiatives. Whether you’re a developer, product manager, or founder, this conversation reminds us that getting it right starts well before a line of code is written.

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Why Requirements Matter in Software Development

Rob and Michael begin by revisiting a powerful truth: software requirements are the blueprint for everything that follows. Vague requests and incomplete specifications are the root cause of missed deadlines, blown budgets, and frustrated clients.

Callout CEO: 70% of software project failures are tied to poor requirements, not bad developers.

When everyone understands what’s being built—and more importantly, why—teams align better, and projects succeed more often.

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Requirements Matter More Than Perfect Code

Even flawless code can’t rescue a project built on the wrong foundation. Rob highlights three common causes of failure:

• Misunderstood business goals
• Disconnects between stakeholders and developers
• Expanding scope from unclear requirements

If the team can’t agree on what success looks like, no amount of elegant code will save the effort.

For more on aligning teams and expectations, check out our episode on Bridging Methodologies.

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Requirements Matter: Start with the Why

Michael emphasizes starting with the business objective. Before diving into specs or wireframes, ask:

• Why does this solution need to exist?
• What problem is it solving?

Many clients envision modern systems based on outdated workflows. Developers must educate while extracting needs—balancing modernization with functionality that still matters.

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Requirements Matter When Writing User Stories

Rob and Michael advocate for user stories—clear, testable statements of what the system must do. A well-written story includes:

• A specific actor (e.g., user, admin)
• A goal (e.g., schedule an appointment)
• An expected result (e.g., receive confirmation)

Michael puts it plainly: If a developer doesn’t know when a requirement is “done,” it’s not a requirement—it’s a guess.

Learn more about effective story writing with this Agile user story guide.

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Requirements Matter in Managing Scope and Budget

Requirements aren’t just lists—they’re guardrails. Michael warns that unchecked feature creep can quietly drain resources and sink projects. A disciplined list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves keeps everything on track.

Start with the core. A “calendar app” doesn’t need AI-scheduling in version one. Build the basics first, validate them, and then iterate with purpose.

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Requirements Matter in Prototypes and Demos

Rob is a strong advocate for visual requirements. Tools like Figma, PowerPoint, and internal “kitchen sink” demos help bring vague ideas into sharp focus. Stakeholders often struggle to articulate what they want—until they see it.

Clickable mockups bridge the communication gap and reduce costly rework. As Rob puts it, “the more real it feels, the better the feedback you’ll get.”

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Balancing Detail: When Requirements Matter and When They Don’t

Finding the balance between too little and too much detail is key. Rob favors lightweight specs for creative flexibility, while Michael leans on testable, bulletproof requirements.

Their advice? Define what the system must do, but avoid locking in how it must be done—especially too early. The goal is clarity of intent, not rigidity in implementation.

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Make Requirements Matter on Your Team

Before wrapping up, Rob and Michael pose a practical challenge to all teams:

Can every requirement in your backlog be tested and tied to a business goal? If not, it may be time to revise or remove it.

Unclear requirements aren’t just annoying—they’re expensive. By committing to clarity, your team reduces ambiguity, limits rework, and speeds up delivery. Every stakeholder benefits when expectations are grounded in reality.

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Final Thoughts

From stakeholder interviews to wireframes and test-driven development, requirements matter at every stage of the software development lifecycle. Each assumption should be questioned. Each “nice to have” should be weighed carefully. Every essential feature must be validated.

So the next time you’re tempted to “just start coding,” take a step back and ask: Do we really understand what we’re building—and why? Because when requirements matter, your software delivers.

Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community

We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at [email protected] with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.

Additional Resources

• Software Development Requirements: Staying True to Specifications
• The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements
• Changing Requirements – Welcome Them For Competitive Advantage
• Creating Use Cases and Gathering Requirements
• The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content
• Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content