In business analysis, what is a requirement commonly defined as?

In business analysis, a requirement is commonly defined as a usable representation of a need. This understanding emphasizes that requirements are tangible and specific representations of what users or stakeholders need from a system, service, or product. They serve as a bridge between the business objectives and the technical implementation.

By identifying a requirement as a usable representation, it reinforces the idea that these needs can be analyzed, validated, and transformed into documented specifications. This clarity is crucial for ensuring that all stakeholders have a mutual understanding of what is necessary to meet their expectations and goals. It establishes a concrete basis for further development, testing, and implementation processes, ensuring that solutions effectively fulfill the identified needs.

The focus on "usable" highlights the importance of requirements being actionable and relevant, rather than abstract or vague. This makes it easier for analysts and teams to transform those requirements into practical solutions that deliver value to the organization.