How to Analyze Software Requirements Like Socrates: 7 Smart Questions Every Analyst Should Ask
Last updated: November 02, 2025 Read in fullscreen view
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Most software projects fail not because of bad coding — but because of unclear requirements. Misunderstood goals, hidden assumptions, and vague definitions often cause costly rework and endless frustration between clients and developers.
What if we approached software requirement analysis the way Socrates approached truth — by asking better questions?
Here are 7 types of Socratic questions adapted for software analysts, product managers, and anyone involved in defining what to build (and why).
Define the Terms Clearly
In requirement meetings, words like “user-friendly,” “fast,” or “secure” often mean different things to different people. Before writing a single line of code, clarify the vocabulary.
Ask clients to define what those terms mean in measurable or testable ways.
Example:
Instead of “The app should load fast,” ask,
“How many seconds should the app take to load under normal conditions?”
Uncover Hidden Assumptions
Every requirement hides assumptions: about user behavior, infrastructure, cost, or timeline.
Your job as an analyst is to surface these blind spots before they turn into risks.
Example:
A client might assume all users have stable internet.
Challenge that by asking,
“What happens if users go offline? Should the app still function partially?”
Ask for Concrete Evidence
When stakeholders say “users don’t like the current UI,” dig deeper.
Ask for user feedback, survey data, or analytics reports that prove the issue.
Example:
“Which part of the interface gets the most complaints or drop-offs?”
This transforms vague opinions into actionable design insights.
Examine the Consequences
Every requirement consumes time and budget. Before committing, explore the trade-offs and consequences.
Example:
If a feature is delayed,
“Will it affect compliance, customer satisfaction, or just convenience?”
Understanding consequences helps prioritize what truly matters.
Check for Logical Consistency
Sometimes requirements clash — a system that’s highly secure but also extremely easy to access can’t coexist without compromise.
Example:
“You mentioned reducing login friction, but also adding multi-factor authentication — how do we balance both?”
Logical consistency ensures that all requirements can coexist in one coherent design.
Question the “Obvious”
Many systems inherit legacy processes that no one questions. Challenge them gently.
Sometimes, the “standard” workflow is the biggest bottleneck.
Example:
“We’ve always required manual approval for invoices — what if we automated 80% of them?”
Breakthrough improvements often come from questioning the unquestioned.
Explore Opposing Perspectives
Play devil’s advocate.
Before finalizing, imagine how different stakeholders might criticize or reject the idea.
Example:
“If you were the QA tester, what risks or edge cases would you point out here?”
This technique reveals hidden risks and strengthens your design before development begins.
Conclusion
Asking questions like Socrates doesn’t slow down software analysis — it speeds up clarity.
Each of these seven question types forces deeper thinking, sharper definitions, and fewer misunderstandings.
In the end, great software isn’t just built — it’s understood.
And understanding starts with one thing: the right question.
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