What can incomplete or misunderstood requirements lead to?

Incomplete or misunderstood requirements can significantly impact the software development process, leading to design flaws. When the requirements are not thoroughly understood or are missing critical elements, developers may make assumptions that do not align with the actual needs or expectations of the stakeholders. This misalignment often results in a design that fails to meet user needs, incorporates unnecessary features, or omits essential functions. Such design flaws can manifest as functional errors, performance issues, or poor user experience, ultimately complicating the development process and necessitating rework or extensive modifications.

On the other hand, timely project delivery, increased stakeholder satisfaction, and reduced resource usage are primarily outcomes associated with clear, well-defined, and accurately interpreted requirements, rather than a consequence of misunderstandings. Nationally understood requirements form the backbone of a successful project, preventing the pitfalls often caused by overlooked details or miscommunication.