How should a developer reject impossible requirements?

Posted by sugar on Programmers See other posts from Programmers or by sugar
Published on 2011-11-21T11:06:19Z Indexed on 2011/11/22 2:09 UTC
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Here's the problem I'm facing:


Quote From Project Manager:

Hey Sugar, I'm assigning you the task of developing a framework that could be used for many different iOS applications. Here are the requirements:

  • It should be able to detect the thickness of the thumb or fingers being used to manipulate the UI.
  • With this information, all elements of the UI should be arranged & sized automatically.
  • For a larger thumb, elements should be arranged nearer the center of the screen.
  • For a smaller thumb, elements should be arranged nearer the corners of the screen.
  • For a larger thumb, all fonts should be smaller. (We're assuming an adult in this case.)
  • For a smaller thumb, all fonts should be larger. (We're assuming a younger person in this case.)

Summary:

This framework is required for creating user-friendly user interfaces programmatically. The framework should be developed in such a way that we can use for as many projects as needed, so it must also be very developer-friendly.


I am the developer given this task, so my questions are as follows:

  • How can I explain that these requirements are a little ridiculous?
  • How can I explain that it would be better to concentrate on developing actual projects?
  • How can I explain that even if this were possible, I wouldn't recommended developing such a thing?
  • How do I say NO to this project politely, gently, and respectfully?
  • How can I explain that even for a developer with 3 years of experience, this might not be possible?

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