Mastering DSDM: How to Handle Non-Feasible Requirements

    When you're diving into the APMG Agile Foundation, one question that might pop up is how DSDM handles the pesky issue of non-feasible requirements. So, here’s the scoop: DSDM gives you a clear-cut plan for managing these demands—not by tossing them aside, but by categorizing them wisely. 

    What’s the magic label for these tricky requirements? Well, it’s “Should.” This classification suggests that even if a requirement isn’t feasible right now, it’s still desirable and should be tackled whenever possible. Kind of like a cream pie recipe—while you might not have whipped cream at hand, it’s still the cherry on top if you can swing it later!

    Now, why is this important? Imagine being knee-deep in an agile project—budgets are tight, timelines are flowing, and resources are stretched. If you label everything as a “Must” or just ignore them completely, chaos can unfold. People might think they need to bend over backward to meet those non-feasible demands, which could lead to frustration, missed deadlines, and a team that’s stretched thin. That doesn't sound fun, does it?

    Instead, by categorizing requirements as “Should,” you make it crystal clear where the priorities lie. You’re signaling to your team and stakeholders that these requirements are important but not a hard stop. It’s all about keeping the focus on what’s critical while allowing for those desirable features to simmer in the background—always ripe for picking when the time is right. 

    This DSDM approach enhances transparency. Everybody stays on the same page, making informed decisions about which requirements can realistically be put into motion. After all, engaging in collaborative discussions about trade-offs helps foster flexibility—something that is music to any agile team’s ears. 

    Imagine this scenario: you’re in a sprint planning meeting, and your team discusses a requirement that would enhance the user experience but would require extra resources that you can’t spare this sprint. Instead of ignoring it (which could lead to misunderstandings later) or incorrectly tagging it as a “Must” (which it clearly isn’t), you classify it as a “Should.” This approach creates an open dialogue on its importance and leaves the door open for future sprints—ensuring your team remains agile and adaptable.

    On the flip side, suggesting a requirement as “Could” has its downsides too. It implies that what could be valuable isn’t really prioritized. This can undermine its significance for the overall project goals, leading to a scenario where valuable insights are left languishing in the shadows.

    All in all, understanding how to categorize requirements using DSDM can dramatically impact a project’s success. So next time you're faced with requirements that seem out of reach, remember the importance of classifying them as “Should.” It’s not just a label—it’s a roadmap to better decision-making, enhanced collaboration, and ultimately, more successful outcomes. Let’s make sure those non-feasible requirements have their moment in the sun—just in the right season, of course!