Overspecification
Overspecification is the practice of defining a product, system, or process with more constraints, performance targets, or capabilities than are necessary to meet its intended use. It often results in increased cost, greater complexity, reduced flexibility, and longer development or production cycles. Overspecification can arise at any stage of a project, from initial requirements to final testing.
Common causes include risk aversion and fear of liability, misinterpretation of stakeholders' desires, regulatory or contractual
Examples appear in hardware and software: a device built with materials or tolerances far exceeding actual
Consequences include unnecessary cost, heavier devices, greater maintenance burden, longer time-to-market, higher risk of defects, and
Mitigation involves early and ongoing user research, clear problem statements, and prioritization of requirements using value-based