Effective communication of requirements and specifications between authors and developers is critical in DITA specialization projects. It ensures that both parties have a shared understanding of the project’s objectives and deliverables. Here’s how this communication is facilitated:

1. Documentation: Authors create detailed documentation that outlines the content requirements and specifications for the DITA specialization. This documentation includes information about the expected structure, elements, metadata, and any specific constraints. It serves as a reference point for developers to understand what needs to be customized and how it should be done.

2. Feedback Loops: Collaboration tools such as Confluence or SharePoint are used to establish feedback loops. Authors and developers can discuss the requirements, ask questions, and clarify any ambiguities. This iterative process helps in refining the project’s scope and ensuring that the specialization aligns with the content needs.

Example:

Here’s an example of how requirements and specifications are communicated in a DITA specialization project:

<communication>
  <authors>
    <document name="DITA Specialization Requirements">Detailed documentation outlining content requirements and specifications.</document>
    <tool name="Confluence">Collaborative platform for discussions and feedback.</tool>
  </authors>
  <developers>
    <access_document name="DITA Specialization Requirements">Access to the documentation created by authors.</access_document>
    <tool name="Confluence">Participate in discussions and seek clarification.</tool>
  </developers>

In this example, the communication process involves authors creating detailed documentation and using collaboration tools like Confluence to interact with developers. The developers have access to the requirements document and engage in discussions to ensure a common understanding of the project’s objectives and deliverables in a DITA specialization project.