What Question are We Answering?

by Dwayne Phillips

Find the right question. The answer will direct efforts. That is pretty basic, but it seems to work.

The purpose of this blog post is… Well, let me struggle with the rest of that sentence. In my struggles, let me find the right question. How about, “Why would anyone read this?” or “Why is this here?”

I find this to be a useful technique. Ask the right question, think, answer it, work.

• Statement: The purpose of this blog post is…
• Question(s): Will anyone read this? If yes, who? Why would they read this?
• Statement: The Requirements are…
• Question(s): What is the problem?
• Statement: The high-level design is…
• Question(s): In broad, loose terms, what is a solution?
• Statement: The detailed design is…
• Question(s): In precise, concrete, and specific terms, what is a solution?
• Statement: The implementation is…
• Question(s): What works?

The list could continue.

Try the technique. Start with a question instead of a declarative sentence.