A - Here's the set of stairs you ordered.
B - Hey thanks, oh wait, they're the wrong way round.
A - That's what you ordered.
B - But...
A - Here's what you asked for, it clearly says set of stairs, foot at south, width of gap, top to bottom.
B - Yes, but the interpretation you've put on it is completely counterintuitive. Surely you must have expected them to be usable?
A - Just giving you what you asked for, not my problem.
B - But that's not useful as anything other than an art installation, I wanted stairs.
A - Yeah, well, I've delivered what you ordered.
Not wilful misinterpretation. Not deliberate misunderstanding. Not trying to be difficult or awkward. Although it might appear that way if the overall objective has been lost somewhere en-route. Maybe there are other pressures that have the effect of narrowing vision to block out the overall objective.
Things should be simplified, partners should both understand what their responsibilities are. Be clear and concise about requirements, objectives and boundaries. And if you're charged with creating the product then be prepared to run away once you've delivered it completely inside out and with the contents on the outside...
For official/internal use only:
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