I define redundancy as the repeated presence of the same information or resource. In general, it means I communicate or provide something more than once, often to increase reliability and understanding. In requirements engineering, I use controlled repetition on purpose. For example, I show a diagram and then explain it in text. In addition, I may present the same statement in a table and in a use case. Thus, more people can understand the intent.
Repetition improves communication when messages travel through imperfect channels. I can say the same point in speech and in writing. Moreover, I can add visuals or gestures in stakeholder meetings. Therefore, I reduce the impact of noise and mishearing. Consequently, feedback becomes more accurate. Also, I ask stakeholders to rephrase what they understood, so I can verify interpretation and detect misunderstandings early.
Uncontrolled duplication creates problems in documentation. I avoid copying the same statement into many artifacts without linking them. Instead, I reference one authoritative source and point to it from other places. In addition, I use unique identifiers. Thus, I keep consistency across work products and reduce maintenance effort. Furthermore, I agree on what each document is for, so I only repeat content where it adds clear value.
Repetition also supports learning. I restate critical facts in simpler words and add concrete examples. For instance, I include a short scenario and a sketch so different audiences can grasp the idea. Besides, I use terms consistently, because switching words for the same concept confuses readers. Therefore, I define key terms in a shared glossary and reuse them across artifacts.
When I apply this technique, I follow clear rules. First, all repeated messages must stay consistent, because contradictions damage trust and create defects. Second, I choose complementary forms, such as natural language, diagrams, and prototypes, instead of cloning the same text everywhere. Third, I ask for feedback often. Thus, I catch distortions early. Finally, I invite stakeholders to restate unclear points in another form, for example by drawing a sketch or telling a short story.
In elicitation, I rely on repetition as a practical answer to communication gaps. At the same time, I reflect on whether I used it wisely. For example, did I reinforce vital information enough, or did I create avoidable copies? Then, I adjust my approach based on what I learn.
In documentation planning, I decide where each statement belongs and which artifact holds the authoritative version. Thus, I prevent needless copies. At the same time, I keep a small amount of repetition for traceability, such as showing an ID in design artifacts. Therefore, others can find the source quickly.
In conclusion, redundancy is a tool. I use it to improve understanding and learning. However, I control it to prevent inconsistencies and extra maintenance. Consequently, I balance repeating, linking, and referencing to improve communication, traceability, and maintainability in requirements engineering.