What is a Product Requirement Documentation? It is an essential part of the product development process used to communicate what capabilities must be included in a product.
Product Requirement Documentation (PRD) does not only outline the specific needs and expectations for a product but also serves as a guide for the product team as they work to design, develop, and launch the product.
What is the difference between BRD and PRD?
A PRD is quite different from a BRD (business requirements document). The BRD basically provides business justification for a specific project, not the purpose of product development that PRD provides. In most cases though, you may need a BRD to sell your project to relevant stakeholders after your PRD has been approved and the development cycle begins.
Business Requirements Document in a Nutshell
A BRD describes the business solution for a project (that is, what a new or updated product should do), which typically includes:
- users’ needs and expectations
- objectives of the proposed solution
- possible constraints that could influence a successful deployment
What Does a Product Requirement Documentation Entail?
There are several key elements that should be included in a product requirement document (PRD). These include:
- Product overview: A brief description of the product, including its purpose, target audience, and key features.
- User personas: Detailed descriptions of the typical users of the product, including their demographics, behaviors, and needs.
- Proposed use cases: Specific scenarios in which the product will be used, including the steps involved and any constraints or requirements.
- Notable functional requirements: A detailed list of the specific features and functionality that the product must have.
- Non-functional requirements: A list of requirements that are not directly related to the product’s functionality, such as performance, security, and usability.
- Acceptance criteria: A set of criteria that must be met in order for the product to be considered complete and ready for release.
Once the PRD is complete, it should be reviewed and approved by all relevant stakeholders, including the product team, development team, and any external partners or vendors. The PRD should also be updated and revised as needed throughout the product development process.
What Are the Most Important Product Requirements?
The following are critical product requirements to consider for your PRD:
- Functionality: The product must perform the functions that it is intended to perform. This includes meeting the needs of the target market and providing a solution to a problem or need.
- Usability: The product must be easy to use and understand for the target market. This includes clear instructions, user-friendly interface, and minimal learning curve.
- Reliability: The product must be dependable and consistent in its performance. This includes minimal downtime and the ability to withstand normal wear and tear.
- Performance: The product must meet or exceed the performance standards set for it. This includes speed, accuracy, and overall effectiveness.
- Aesthetics: The product must be visually appealing and consistent with the branding and image of the company. This includes design, packaging, and labeling.
It’s important to note that a PRD is not a one-time document, but a living document that should be updated as the product development process progresses and feedback is collected. This is because the requirements and priorities may change as the product development process moves forward.
Also, having a clear and well-written PRD can help ensure that everyone involved in your project is on the same page and working towards the same goals. PRD also serves as a valuable reference for the product team, and can be used to communicate with stakeholders and customers.
Popular Product Requirement Documentation Tools?
Jira: a popular tool for managing and tracking software development projects. It is often used to document product requirements and track their progress through the development process.
Docsie: a CRM-like tool that has a lot of robust templates and features that can help product managers write up PRD’s quickly and efficiently. See how to write a lean PRD in a few simple steps with Docsie.
Trello: a project management tool that allows teams to organize and prioritize tasks, including documenting product requirements.
Asana: a project management tool that allows teams to collaborate and track progress on tasks, including documenting and managing product requirements.
Overall, product requirement documentation is a crucial step in the product development process that helps ensure that the final product meets the needs and expectations of its target audience.
It’s also important to establish a communication channel to get feedback and comments on your PRD from the stakeholders in the product development to ensure that the product requirements are aligned with the business goals and objectives.
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