How to make an effective requirements specification?
When you are planning to commission a new website, app or other digital solution, it is crucial to create a detailed requirements specification. A well-formulated requirements specification helps both you as a client and the digital agency you are working with to be on the same page from the start. It may sound complicated, but it is actually not as difficult as it seems. With a clear requirements specification, you can ensure that you get the right solution at the right price.
Meeting with your digital agency before submitting a quote can be a great advantage. An initial meeting allows the agency to gain a better understanding of the scope of the project and can provide a more accurate quote based on your needs and requirements.
What is a Requirements Specification?
A requirements specification is a document that describes the requirements and features that a solution must meet in order for the project to be successful. It is about clearly describing your ideas and wishes for the tasks that the website or app will solve. Here are some important parts that should be included:
- Project purpose and goals: What should the solution achieve?
- Functional requirements: What specific functions are needed?
- Technical requirements: What is required for security, performance and usability?
- Timeframe and budget: When will the project be completed and what is the budget?
How to Write a Requirements Specification?
There are no hard and fast rules for what a requirements specification should look like, but certain elements are essential for it to be effective and useful. Here are some guidelines to get you started:
01
Define the Project Goals and Objectives
Start by defining why you need the project and what you hope to achieve. It could be creating a new website, launching an app, or improving an existing solution.
02
Write User Stories
Describe the features you want and for whom. For example: "Users should be able to log in to see their orders."
03
Prioritize Features and Requirements
List all the features you want, but prioritize them. Focus on the most important ones first and develop more features in later versions.
04
Sketch of Design and User Experience
If you have specific design and user experience requests, include simple sketches or descriptions. If not, the digital agency can suggest the best solutions.
05
Describe Technical Aspects
Please specify any technical requirements, such as whether you want to use a specific platform, security protocol, or database structure.
06
Administration Panel and Features
Should the system have an administration panel? If yes, describe what functionality is needed, such as user access or data processing.
Example of Requirements Specification
To help you get started, here is an example of how you might describe a feature in your requirements specification:
Example - Search function
If you want a search function, you should specify what you want to search for, whether there should be filters for the search, and what sorting options you want to use, such as price, size, or color.
Being detailed in these descriptions helps developers understand exactly what you want, and ensures that what is built meets your expectations.
Moscow Method for Requirements Specification
Another useful method is to prioritize features using the Moscow model, which divides features and requirements into four categories:
- Must have: Features that are absolutely necessary.
- Should have: Important features that are not critical.
- Could have: Features that would be nice to have, but not necessary.
- Won’t have: Features that are not included in the project at this time.
By using the Moscow model, you can ensure that the most important functions get the highest priority and that you don’t waste time or resources on less important parts.
Why is a Requirements Specification Necessary?
A detailed requirements specification is crucial for several reasons:
Clarity and expectations: By documenting all requirements, you can ensure that both you and the agency have the same understanding of the project.
- Exact price and schedule: A detailed requirements specification enables the agency to provide an exact quote and schedule.
- Better end result: With a clear requirements specification, you get a result that better meets your needs and expectations.
Summary
Creating a requirements specification can seem challenging, but it is an important step in ensuring the success of your project. The more detailed and clear you are in your description, the easier it will be for the developers to deliver the solution you need. And the more well-structured the requirements specification is, the better the end result will be.
At Bluell, we help you create a requirements specification that ensures that all your needs are met and that the project is implemented according to plan, both on time and within budget.
If you have any questions or need help creating a requirements specification for your next project, please feel free to contact us!
