From Palaces to Yurts - Why Requirements Engineering Needs Design Thinking

The German saying “von Palästen zu Zelten” compares different systems to different levels of flexibility and agility - that is, “from palaces to yurts.” Requirements engineering systems are geared for developing information system palaces and aren't what's needed for today's world of rapidly changing, app-enabled products. These Web and mobile apps are small, require rapid development, must closely fit customer needs, and change often. Requirements engineering for these would greatly benefit from design thinking - that is, a human-centered, rapid-prototypying method for innovative design.

All house construction requires a solid basement, a supporting infrastructure that provides efficiency in maintenance, and some adjustable elements that will be continuously updated for the house's lifetime. Large, complex houses provide more comfortable living space, but more groundwork is needed if any changes are necessary. IT systems are similar. To meet today's challenges with small, easily changed systems that are more function than infrastructure, we need more that are like yurts rather than palaces.