What Are These NFRs You Speak Of?

I was working at a conference and telling stories about software programs—one that worked and one that failed. I said to the group: “It is all about the NFRs. They make all the difference in the world. They have changed radically over time, and now generative AI makes them much more possible without spending $10 million and three years of 500 people wasting their collective time.”

They asked: “What are these NFRs that you speak of?”

Software with these non-functional requirement elements will be more usable, successful and viral than software without them. Let’s break down these requirements and the role each one plays.

1. SELF-SERVICE

Enable users to perform tasks and resolve issues without direct assistance. The system should provide intuitive tools, clear guidelines and automated processes that empower people to manage their accounts, configure settings and access services efficiently. This reduces dependency on technical support.

2. SHARE EVERYWHERE

Facilitate seamless sharing of content, data and resources across platforms and users. Integrate with social media, collaboration tools and data-exchange formats so information can be easily and securely disseminated, enhancing collaboration and reach.

3. EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCATE

A system should not only provide tools and functions; it should teach users to use them effectively. Built-in tutorials, interactive learning modules and ongoing education can keep people informed about best practices, system updates and new features.

4. ALL PILLARS OF OBSERVABILITY

The system should make its internal state understandable through logs, metrics and traces. Clear insight into performance, health and ongoing operations enables proactive management and troubleshooting.

5. DYNAMIC DASHBOARDS AND LIVING NOTEBOOKS

Offer customizable, interactive dashboards and notebooks that update in real time. These tools should let users explore data, derive insights and document findings in a dynamic, approachable environment.

6. AMBIENT FINDABILITY

Make information easy to discover and access. Effective search, clear categorization and user-centred design should help people intuitively find what they need.

7. TRANSFORMATIONS ARE ALL YOU NEED

Provide flexible data-transformation capabilities so users can easily convert, process and manipulate data to meet their needs across formats and structures.

8. AI FIRST, APIS, HEADLESS, TRANSPARENT LAYERS, CLOUD AND SOMOCLO

Prioritize AI-driven solutions; provide robust APIs for integration; operate headlessly for flexibility across front ends; keep operational layers transparent; be cloud-native for scale and access; and align with social, mobile and cloud environments for broad connectivity and engagement.

9. EVENT-DRIVEN, CONTENT-POWERED, INFLUENCER-AMPLIFIED PROGRAMS

Respond to events in real time, use content-driven strategies and leverage influencer partnerships to increase reach and impact. This aligns programs with modern engagement strategies that respond dynamically to users and market signals.

10. BLUEPRINTS, DIAGRAMS, CANVASES AND ONE-PAGERS

Give users clear, concise visual documentation and planning tools. Support the creation and sharing of blueprints, diagrams and canvases that communicate key information, strategies and plans in easily digestible formats.

Together, these non-functional requirements define an approach to building business systems that are user-centred, flexible and informative while harnessing modern technologies and methods. Each helps a system meet current needs and prepare for future challenges and opportunities.