A frequent problem voiced by requirements analysts is: “people don’t tell me their requirements; they tell me a solution to some unstated problem”. This focus on solutions is further complicated when it is mixed with current business constraints, technical constraints, and personal perceptions of the world.

The Brown Cow Model

Typically, useful systems viewpoints are Now (often referred to as “as is”) and Future (also called “to be”). The Brown Cow takes a more granular approach by looking at the How (solution) and What (essence) of both Now and Future.

The Brown Cow Model was developed by Suzanne Robertson and James Robertson.