Which phase primarily focuses on expressing requirements as acceptance criteria?

The phase that primarily focuses on expressing requirements as acceptance criteria is indeed Backlog Management. In this context, Backlog Management involves organizing and prioritizing the work items, which include requirements that have been gathered. This phase is critical for maintaining clarity around what constitutes "done" for each requirement. Acceptance criteria are established during this phase to create a clear understanding of what is expected from each user story or requirement, ensuring that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of success.

By creating well-defined acceptance criteria, teams are better equipped to deliver on the requirements and verify that the finished product meets the intended needs. This approach helps the development team understand what needs to be built while allowing stakeholders to clarify their expectations.

In contrast, the Current State phase focuses on understanding and documenting the existing situation before any changes are proposed. The Define Design Options phase is about exploring various solutions and alternatives for how to meet requirements, rather than detailing acceptance criteria. Requirements Architecture aims to organize and structure requirements but does not primarily concentrate on the acceptance criteria aspect.

By recognizing the specific focus of Backlog Management, one can better appreciate how effective requirement expression fosters clearer communication and alignment among team members and stakeholders.