Integration of Creativity in the Requirement Engineering Process for Agile Software Development

Abstract

The research systematically explores the integration of creativity within the Requirement Engineering process for Agile software development aiming to potentially enhance adaptability, collaboration, user-centricity, and innovative capacity of Agile software development, ultimately contributing to the successful delivery of projects that surpass user expectations in a rapidly evolving market. Drawing from systematic reviews and empirical studies, it highlights the significance of creativity in Agile software development and Requirement Engineering, addressing a gap in research within Agile Requirement Engineering in an industrial context. Case study research including a field study in the form of observation and semi-structured interviews was conducted with respondents from Capgemini Sverige AB and a company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, recognized in automotive transportation and infrastructure (company Y), focusing on understanding current Requirement Engineering process, Agile software development practices, creativity perceptions, challenges, ongoing creativity practices, and innovative thoughts. Data-driven reflexive thematic analysis was employed to systematically identify, analyze, and interpret connections within the qualitative data collected and the results identified four distinctive themes: creativity perceptions and opportunities, challenges, practices, and idea integration. An evaluation survey was organized to validate our qualitative thematic coding results. Overall, the research contributes to the ongoing discourse on creativity in requirement engineering and its relevance for Agile software development. It underscores the importance of embracing creativity as a key driver of innovation and quality in Agile projects, paving the way for future research and practice in this domain.