Identifying Key Factors for Effective User Requirement Elicitation in Agile and Traditional Software Development: An Empirical Study

Software has become integral to modern society due to rapid technological advancements and expanding business needs. However, the software development industry faces persistent challenges, including project failures, cost overruns, extended timelines, unmet user needs, and quality issues. Ineffective Requirements Engineering (RE) significantly contributes to these failures. Accurately capturing user requirements and adapting to changes throughout the development process remain critical challenges. Stakeholders often struggle to express their needs clearly, and developers may misinterpret or misalign these requirements, exacerbating project risks. This study empirically investigates RE practices in Agile and traditional software development, identifying key factors—client engagement, requirement prioritization, and strategic planning—that enhance effective requirement elicitation and analysis. Based on these findings, we propose a Requirement Definition and Evaluation Model, providing a structured and adaptable framework to manage evolving user needs and enhance project success across various development methodologies.