Defining Digital Solutions: Establishing context and defining requirements

by Peter Thompson

Overview

We are living in the digital age. Everything we touch and do these days from ordering products & services, studying, to booking travel, digital solutions are everywhere. In a world increasingly driven by technology, understanding the creation of digital solutions is more crucial than ever.

This first book in a comprehensive three-part series on digital solutions, focuses on the essential context and modelling that precedes development and delivery. It explores their definition, categorization, usage, and the initial stages of their development, and offers practical guidance to a range of stakeholders, including business analysts, software developers, software testers, solution architects and technologists.

The complete series covers the entire life cycle of defining, designing, developing and delivering digital solutions, providing an essential body of knowledge (including extensive references for further study) for students of the BCS International Diploma in Solution Development.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780177052
Publisher:	BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
Publication date:	04/15/2025
Series:	BCS Digital Solutions Collection , #1
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	182
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Peter Thompson is a Fellow of BCS, and with over 35 years' experience in business analysis and software development, specialising in best practice techniques and standards in business analysis, data analysis and Agile software development.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Digital Solution?

2. The Business Context For Digital Solutions

3. Acquiring Digital Solutions

4. Bespoke Development

5. Requirements Engineering

6. Managing Requirements With Backlogs

7. Modelling the Required Solution

8. Software Tools to Support Digital Solution Definition

9. Designing and Delivering Digital Solutions

Editorial Reviews

Digital leaders and business analysts must carefully evaluate whether to build or buy components for their digital solutions. Defining Digital Solutions offers clear, practical insights to guide this decision while ensuring business alignment. Joris Schut CISA, CBAB, CGEIT, Business Advisor, BearingPoint.

Defining Digital Solutions is a great guide to how digital products are created. It explains the key steps before development begins. A valuable guide for business analysts, architects, technologists, or anyone involved in building digital solutions. Sibasis Padhi, Senior Software Engineer, Walmart Associates Inc.

A comprehensive and thought-provoking introduction to a wide range of themes and topics, that when considered together will lead to the successful definition of a robust and holistic digital solution. A fine piece of work. Paul Turner FBCS, BCS author and ex Chief Examiner for the Diploma in Solution Development.

Comprehensive and well-written, I wish this guide to the various roles, tools and techniques involved in defining digital solutions had existed when I started my IT career over 25 years ago. David Smith CITP MBCS MIET, Customer Journey Manager, Lloyds Banking Group.

It is a one-stop shop for diving into the world of digital solutions from the perspective of an IT Business Analyst. I wish I had it when I started my career! Iurii Gomon, Founder, The Passionate Business Analyst.

A comprehensive and well-articulated reference book for anyone navigating the complexity of IT change delivery. It will set early career professionals on the right tracks whilst providing food for thought to seasoned experts. Virginie Terry, Business Analyst Manager, RSA Insurance, part of the Intact Group.

Defining Digital Solutions is a comprehensive guide to digital solutions, covering system modelling, backlog management, and tools, essential for decision-makers and IT specialists. A well-defined digital solution is not just a product; it is a bridge between business needs and technological innovation. Boby Jose, Senior Test Manager, Sogeti UK, part of Capgemini and the author of BCS book Test Automation: A manager’s guide.

Gain an in-depth knowledge of the diverse range of digital solutions and development frameworks. This book emphasises the importance of aligning digital solutions with business objectives to ensure effective organisational advancement. Rizwana Qureshi, Customer Journey Lead, Lloyds Banking Group PLC.

Defining Digital Solutions is a must-read for professionals and organizations navigating the complexities of digital transformation. With clear insights and practical guidance, it equips readers with the tools to design, develop, and implement tailored digital solutions that drive business value. Whether you're a technology leader, solutions architect, or business strategist, this book is an invaluable resource for mastering the art of digital innovation. Renjith Ramachandran, Senior Solutions Architect, BJs Wholesale Club.

Master digital solutions, Defining Digital Solutions offers clear frameworks and real-world examples for effective digital transformation. It is ideal for experts and beginners. Alexandros Gazis MEng MSc, Senior Software Engineer, Piraeus Banking.

From the Publisher

It is a one-stop shop for diving into the world of digital solutions from the perspective of an IT Business Analyst. I wish I had it when I started my career!

Iurii Gomon

Defining Digital Solutions is a comprehensive guide to digital solutions, covering system modelling, backlog management, and tools, essential for decision-makers and IT specialists. A well-defined digital solution is not just a product; it is a bridge between business needs and technological innovation.

Boby Jose

Master digital solutions, Defining Digital Solutions offers clear frameworks and real-world examples for effective digital transformation. It is ideal for experts and beginners.

Alexandros Gazis MEng MSc

Comprehensive and well-written, I wish this guide to the various roles, tools and techniques involved in defining digital solutions had existed when I started my IT career over 25 years ago.

David Smith CITP MBCS MIET

Defining Digital Solutions is a great guide to how digital products are created. It explains the key steps before development begins. A valuable guide for business analysts, architects, technologists, or anyone involved in building digital solutions.

Sibasis Padhi

A comprehensive and thought-provoking introduction to a wide range of themes and topics, that when considered together will lead to the successful definition of a robust and holistic digital solution. A fine piece of work.

Paul Turner FBCS

Defining Digital Solutions is a must-read for professionals and organizations navigating the complexities of digital transformation. With clear insights and practical guidance, it equips readers with the tools to design, develop, and implement tailored digital solutions that drive business value. Whether you're a technology leader, solutions architect, or business strategist, this book is an invaluable resource for mastering the art of digital innovation.

Renjith Ramachandran

A comprehensive and well-articulated reference book for anyone navigating the complexity of IT change delivery. It will set early career professionals on the right tracks whilst providing food for thought to seasoned experts.

Virginie Terry

Gain an in-depth knowledge of the diverse range of digital solutions and development frameworks. This book emphasises the importance of aligning digital solutions with business objectives to ensure effective organisational advancement.

Rizwana Qureshi

Digital leaders and business analysts must carefully evaluate whether to build or buy components for their digital solutions. Defining Digital Solutions offers clear, practical insights to guide this decision while ensuring business alignment.

Joris Schut CISA