When deciding on a feature, what do you do? [closed]

Question

Do you primarily think of reasons TO implement it, or reasons NOT TO implement it? What are the advantages of each?

Answer 1

This fine Joel Spolsky post basically says:

1. Make a list of possible features.
2. Vote to filter out the worst features.
3. Assign a cost for each feature.
4. Allot a limited feature budget to each participant.
5. Find out which features are popular when allocating the budgets.

Answer 2

I usually do a cost benefit analysis. How much is this going to cost to implement (in money or time) and how much is the benefit worth (again money or time).

If the benefits outweigh the costs by enough of a margin, it gets done.

The measure is usually money for paid work, time for personal stuff although there's sometimes a crossover. I won't sacrifice too much quality time with the kids no matter how much money's on the table.