- Published
- 7 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 7 October 2026
Use the checklist for a conversation
This RDE checklist supports a practical review of a requirement or small set of requirements. It does not certify compliance with a professional standard. Adapt it to your organisation and the delivery approach in use. Mark each check complete, needs discussion or not applicable.
Check purpose and evidence
Can the reviewer explain whose need the requirement supports and why it matters? Record the source of the request and distinguish evidence from assumptions. Confirm that the wording does not hide a disputed problem or an unresolved decision.
For example, the system must be fast leaves important questions unanswered. Ask which task, what conditions and what evidence would demonstrate acceptable performance. Agree a meaningful measure with the responsible people rather than inventing one.
Check meaning and scope
Look for undefined terms such as suitable, easy or regularly. Identify who acts, what is expected and which conditions apply. Record exclusions and boundaries where they affect understanding.
Check dependencies and conflicting requirements. A requirement to retain information and a requirement to delete it may need a clear distinction between circumstances, responsibilities and applicable organisational rules. Seek the appropriate specialist input when needed.
Check how the requirement will be reviewed
Agree an observable way to check whether the intended behaviour or output has been delivered. Identify the examples or test conditions needed. A review should reveal what remains uncertain as well as what is ready.
Confirm ownership, decision authority and the current version. Record unresolved questions with an owner and next action. Do not mark a requirement agreed while an important ambiguity remains unacknowledged.
Record the result
End the review with a decision: proceed, revise or investigate further. Record the reason and any conditions attached. Keep the original wording and the agreed revision so the change remains understandable.
Download the editable checklist. Use it on one fictional requirement first, then compare the discussion before and after the review. Keep confidential project information out of shared practice copies.
Cover image: AI-generated illustrative scene created specifically for this resource.
Editable download
Download the editable Word document
Available as a printable PDF and an editable Word document (DOCX). Version 2.0, 7 October 2026. Personal and internal organisational adaptation permitted with RDE author credit retained.