Context+Free+Questions

=Context Free Questions= These come from [|Exploring Requirements: Quality Before Design] by Gause & Weinberg.

Process

 * Who is the client for X?
 * What is a highly successful solution really worth to the client?
 * (Ask this if the answer to the previous context-free question does not seem to justify the effort involved.)What is the real reason for wanting to solve this problem?
 * Should we use a single design team, or more than one?
 * Who should be on the team(s)?
 * How much time do we have for this project?
 * What is the trade-off between time and value?
 * Where else can the solution to this design problem be obtained?
 * Can we copy something that already exists?

Product

 * What problem does this system solve?
 * What problems could this system create?
 * What environment is this system likely to encounter?
 * What kind of precision is required or desired in the product?
 * Will it affect staffing?
 * How will you know if the product is a success?

Metaquestions

 * Am I asking you too many questions?
 * Do my questions seem relevant?
 * Are you the right person to answer these questions?
 * Are your answers official?
 * In order to be sure that we understand each other, I've found that it helps me to have things in writing so I can study them at my leisure. May I write down your answers and give you a written copy to study and approve?
 * (Use this if your communication has been only in writing so far.) The written material has been helpful, but I find that I understand some things better if I can discuss them face to face. Can we get together at some point, so we can know each other better and can clarify some of these points?
 * Is there anyone else who can give me useful answers?
 * Is there someplace I can go to see the environment in which this product will be used?

Meta-questions at the end of every conversation

 * Is there anything else I should be asking you?
 * Is there anything you would like to ask me?
 * May I return or call you with more questions later, in case I don't cover everything this time?