Prioritizing requirements is essential when resources, time, or stakeholder opinions vary. The goal is to deliver the maximum value while aligning with business goals. I use a mix of these prioritization techniques, based on the project’s complexity and stakeholder involvement:

1. MoSCoW Method

Must Have: Critical features without which the system won’t function.
Should Have: Important but not critical. Can be delivered if time permits.
Could Have: Nice-to-have features; included if resources allow.
Won’t Have (this time): Lowest priority. Deferred for future releases.

When to use: In Agile projects or MVP planning where fast delivery is key.

2. Kano Model

This technique classifies features into:

Basic Needs (Expected): Their absence causes dissatisfaction.
Performance Needs: The more you provide, the happier the user.
Delighters: Unexpected features that create excitement.

When to use: For customer-facing applications where experience matters.

3. Value vs. Complexity Matrix

Requirements are plotted on a 2x2 grid:

High Value, Low Complexity = Quick wins → Top Priority
High Value, High Complexity = Invest if resources allow
Low Value, Low Complexity = Fillers if time permits
Low Value, High Complexity = Consider dropping

When to use: When working with technical teams to evaluate feasibility vs. impact.

4. 100-Dollar Test

Each stakeholder gets $100 (or points) to allocate to requirements based on importance. The totals help prioritize features by collective value.

When to use: For collaborative, democratic prioritization—especially in workshops.

5. Weighted Scoring Model

Assign numerical weights to criteria like business value, risk, cost, and urgency. Then score each requirement. The final weighted score reveals its priority.

When to use: For large-scale or data-driven decisions.

Pro Tip

Always align priorities with strategic goals and communicate the rationale clearly to stakeholders. Prioritization is not just technical—it’s also about managing expectations.

How do you prioritize requirements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How to prioritize requirements when working with multiple stakeholders?