Why Visual Storytelling is the New Language of Requirements
It’s time to move away from the conventional approach of gathering project requirements, which typically involves lengthy documents filled with text. These documents, known as business requirement documents or functional specification documents, have been the norm for projects in the past. However, with the rapid development of technology and the widespread use of handheld devices, it’s essential to rethink this traditional approach.
Instead of relying heavily on text-based requirements, we need to adopt a more visual approach to storytelling and representation in our documentation. This means incorporating visuals to convey project requirements in a more engaging and effective way. There’s a valid reason behind this necessary shift, which will be explored further.
If you take a close look at how social media platforms are evolving, you’ll notice that they’re all shifting their focus towards visual content, such as images, videos, and even audio. This means that plain text-based posts are no longer as engaging, as people are more likely to interact with visual elements. The reason is simple: visuals are more attention-grabbing and easier to consume than lengthy blocks of text.
Today, people want quick answers to their questions and don’t have the time to sift through multiple pages or documents. That’s why AI-powered tools are becoming so popular — they provide fast and specific answers to users’ queries.
When it comes to digital transformation projects, visual communication is key. By using visual storytelling, you can convey complex information quickly and efficiently, and get more feedback and input from stakeholders. This is because visuals are easier to understand and remember, allowing people to focus on the project’s goals and objectives.
For instance, if you’re explaining a complicated application flow, you can use mind maps to illustrate the different scenarios and possibilities. This visual approach saves time and effort, as it eliminates the need for individuals to create their own mental pictures. As a result, people can make informed decisions and provide valuable feedback, making visual storytelling a powerful tool in project management.
