During the requirements gathering phase, which of the following is a non-effective method?

Creating a hypothesis during the requirements gathering phase is a non-effective method primarily because it can lead to assumptions without grounding them in actual user needs. While forming a hypothesis can be a useful tactic in certain contexts, it often diverts attention from the essential goal of understanding what users genuinely require. Gathering requirements relies heavily on real data and insights gained directly from user interactions and feedback.

In contrast, shadowing users provides first-hand observation of their workflow, revealing pain points and needs that might not be explicitly articulated. Asking users short questions encourages focused communication, allowing for precise clarification of needs. Detailed user descriptions aid in constructing comprehensive user personas, which ensures that solutions are tailored to the specific characteristics and requirements of those users. Therefore, relying on a hypothesis can undermine the quality of the requirements gathered, making it less effective compared to the other methods.