What is described as a usable representation of a need?

The term that is described as a usable representation of a need is best captured by the concept of a requirement. In the context of business analysis, a requirement articulates what must be achieved to satisfy a stakeholder's needs or desires. Requirements focus on the 'what' that needs to be accomplished, outlining the necessary features, functions, and attributes of a solution. This allows stakeholders and project teams to align their work towards specific objectives, ensuring that the outcomes address the identified needs.

A requirement serves as a foundation for communication and understanding among stakeholders, providing a clear and concise representation that can be used throughout the project lifecycle. This ensures that all parties have a mutual understanding of the expectations and deliverables associated with a project or initiative.

While terms like expectation, request, and specification may relate to needs, they do not fulfill the same role as requirements. Expectations are broader and can be subjective, requests may not always guarantee alignment with needs, and specifications typically delve into detailed descriptions of how requirements will be implemented rather than representing the needs themselves. Therefore, the concept of a requirement is ideal for encapsulating a usable representation of a need.