What is a Vision and Scope Document?

  • A high-level document defining the project’s purpose, goals, and boundaries.
  • Helps align stakeholders before detailed requirements gathering.
  • Provides a shared understanding of what will be delivered and what will not.

Key components

  1. High level business objectives
    • Why the system is needed, benefits, and expected value
  2. Product vision
    • High-level description of the system, its users, and purpose
  3. Scope (In-Scope & Out-of-Scope)
    • Defines what features and functionality are included
    • Clearly states what is out of scope to prevent scope creep
    • Helps set realistic expectations for stakeholders
  4. Stakeholders
    • Key individuals or groups affected by the system
  5. Major constraints and assumptions
    • Business, technical, or regulatory limitations that impact the project
  6. Risks & benefits
    • Risks: High-level risks that may impact the project (e.g. technology, budget, scope changes)
    • Benefits: Aligns stakeholders, prevents misunderstandings, and defines clear boundaries

A Vision and Scope Document provides clarity and alignment early in the project. It helps manage expectations and prevent scope creep and serves as a foundation for more detailed requirements analysis.


Back to parent page: Requirement Elicitation and Analysis

SDLC Requirement_Engineering Requirement_Elicitation Vision_And_Scope_Document SOFT3202