Why Developers Should Learn to Cut Requirements and How to Do It Effectively

The author believes that a good programmer is one who can "cut requirements" and that more experienced developers tend to be better at it. Even as a team manager, the author helps developers negotiate requirements with product managers.

Why Learn to Cut Requirements?

1. The Essence of Cutting Requirements

Cutting requirements is not about opposing product managers or being arbitrary; it aims to keep the team comfortable and ensure projects are delivered on time, with quality and scope.

Effective cutting requires deep understanding of the requirement’s background, goals, priority, feasibility, and impact on users and business.

Developers have a duty to understand and reject meaningless requests, as even product managers or bosses can make mistakes.

Example: a boss demanded a flashy website, leading developers to waste a week on elaborate effects that were irrelevant to the simple information‑query site.

Before accepting a request, ask: why make it flashy? What does "flashy" mean? Is the complexity justified now or can it be postponed?

2. Cutting Requirements Is Not Random

It must be reasoned and systematic, not just a reaction like "no time" or "useless".

How to cut requirements?

First Method – Shared Goal

Show that the request contributes little to the goal and propose higher‑value work instead.

Second Method – Data Support

Use objective data to prove the request’s value, avoiding personal guesses. Example: optimizing a search feature that only ten users use daily is not worthwhile.

Third Method – Iterative Phasing

Break down complex requests into phases; deliver a minimal viable part first and iterate later.

Fourth Method – "Golden Cicada" (Alternative Solution)

Leverage existing tools or platforms to achieve the goal without new development, turning a technical problem into a business one.

3. Why Managers Want Developers to Cut Requirements

Managers have limited resources and KPIs; unnecessary work hampers goal achievement. Developers who can eliminate low‑value tasks help the team stay focused and reduce costs.

Ultimately, cutting requirements is a small but powerful way to align development effort with business objectives.