Which approach is often used in systems development to gather requirements from users?

The approach that is often used in systems development to gather requirements from users is focus groups. This method involves bringing together a selected group of users to discuss their needs, preferences, and experiences regarding a system or application. Focus groups allow for interactive discussions, where participants can share insights and feedback that help identify essential features and functionality that the system should provide. The collaborative nature of focus groups helps in uncovering user requirements that might not emerge through surveys or questionnaires alone, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of user needs.

In contrast, competitive analysis focuses on evaluating competitors' strengths and weaknesses rather than gathering specific user requirements. SWOT analysis, which examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a project or organization, does not directly engage users in discussing their needs. Lastly, financial forecasting is primarily concerned with predicting future financial trends and does not capture user insights essential for system development. Thus, focus groups stand out as the most effective method for engaging users in conversation about their requirements.