Which phase of the Software Development Lifecycle focuses on gathering user requirements?

The phase of the Software Development Lifecycle that focuses on gathering user requirements is the analysis phase. During this critical stage, analysts and stakeholders collaborate to identify the specific needs and expectations of users regarding the software system. This involves conducting interviews, surveys, and workshops to collect data on what functionality users desire and how the system should behave in various scenarios.

By thoroughly understanding user requirements, the development team can create a more tailored and effective product that meets the needs of its intended audience. This phase forms the foundation for subsequent stages, as it helps inform design decisions and ensures that the end solution aligns with user expectations.

In contrast, other phases such as logical design, testing, and implementation prioritize different aspects of the development process; logical design focuses on structuring and organizing those requirements into a coherent architecture, testing verifies that the software meets the requirements after development, and implementation is concerned with deploying the completed software to users. Thus, the analysis phase stands out for its emphasis on gathering and clarifying user requirements.