How should Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs) be handled in the design process?

Incorporating Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs) throughout the design process is essential for creating high-quality software that meets user expectations and operational standards. NFRs encompass various aspects like performance, security, scalability, maintainability, and usability, all of which can significantly influence the system's architecture and design choices.

When NFRs are considered from the beginning, they can guide key decisions about technology stacks, system architecture, deployment strategies, and user interface design. For instance, if performance is a crucial NFR, the design may prioritize caching strategies, database optimization, or load balancing to ensure that the system can handle expected loads efficiently.

By addressing NFRs continuously during the design phase, teams can identify potential issues early on, make informed design decisions, and avoid costly changes later in the development process. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of rework and ensures that the final product aligns with both functional and non-functional expectations.

The other choices do not align with best practices for handling NFRs. Ignoring them until development leads to missed opportunities to instill critical qualities early on. Simply documenting them without implementing their considerations will not achieve the intended system performance or quality aspects. Lastly, declaring them as solely the testers' responsibility undermines