Expert Opinion
Expert Opinion is a qualitative decision-making and problem-solving methodology that relies on the knowledge, experience, and judgment of subject matter experts to guide development processes, such as in software architecture, technology selection, or project planning. It involves consulting individuals with deep expertise in a specific domain to inform decisions when quantitative data is limited, ambiguous, or unavailable. This approach is commonly used in agile and iterative development environments to mitigate risks and validate assumptions.
Developers should use Expert Opinion when facing complex, novel, or uncertain scenarios where empirical data is insufficient, such as choosing between emerging technologies, designing system architectures, or estimating project timelines in early stages. It helps reduce uncertainty by leveraging proven insights from experienced practitioners, making it valuable for strategic planning, risk assessment, and innovation in software projects. However, it should be complemented with data-driven methods when possible to avoid biases.