“Non-technical criteria” refer to the requirements, considerations, or standards that are not directly related to the technical aspects of a project, product, or solution. These criteria encompass a wide range of factors beyond technology, including business, user, organizational, and environmental considerations.
Non-technical criteria can vary depending on the context of the project or product, but they often include elements such as:
- Business Objectives: Requirements related to the strategic goals, objectives, and priorities of the organization.
- User Needs: Considerations regarding the needs, preferences, expectations, and experiences of end users or stakeholders.
- Cost: Budgetary constraints, financial considerations, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed solution.
- Schedule: Time constraints, deadlines, milestones, and project timelines.
- Regulatory Compliance: Requirements related to legal regulations, industry standards, and compliance with relevant laws and policies.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Considerations for engaging and managing stakeholders, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their buy-in and support.
- Risk Management: Identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring of potential risks and uncertainties.
- Sustainability: Environmental impact, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainability considerations.
- Quality: Standards for product quality, usability, reliability, performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Ethical Considerations: Adherence to ethical principles, values, and guidelines in decision-making and behavior.
Non-technical criteria are essential for ensuring that the project or product meets the broader needs and objectives of the organization and its stakeholders beyond technical functionality. They help guide decision-making, prioritize resources, and evaluate the success and impact of the project or solution from a holistic perspective. Effective consideration of non-technical criteria is crucial for delivering value, maximizing stakeholder satisfaction, and achieving overall project success.
