A PRD, a quasi-combination of a business requirements document (BRD) and a systems requirements document (SRD), will help you explain to a developer what your vision is and what needs to happen for it to become a working product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/arc.dev\/employer-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image-1024x724.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWith a PRD in hand, your developer has a better sense of what your requirements are and how they can help you build what you’re looking for. By knowing in detail what you want, you can save yourself a lot of time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s certainly possible to build a successful product without a PRD, going through the process of writing a PRD can strengthen your own understanding of your target audience, goals, and future product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re going to guide you through how to write a PRD, step-by-step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking for top talent fast? See how <\/em>Arc<\/a> can help you:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u26a1\ufe0f Find developers, designers, marketers, and more Hire top talent with Arc risk-free \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to provide a detailed walkthrough, we\u2019re going to approach the process from the point of view of a fictional startup founder writing their first PRD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In our scenario throughout this article, our startup founder wants to build an app and website for SafePark, a tool to help people find parking spots in cities across the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who<\/strong> is my product\u2019s target audience? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why<\/strong> does the audience need my product? <\/p>\n\n\n\n When<\/strong> do I need it by? <\/p>\n\n\n\n What<\/strong> do I want to build? <\/p>\n\n\n\n How<\/strong> do I build it? Which programming languages should I work with?<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More<\/strong>: 21+ Important Freelance Interview Questions to Ask Software Engineers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we\u2019re going to go through the different sections of the Product Requirements Document. We’ll give you examples and fill them in as if we were the founder of SafePark, this parking spot locating app and website, as described earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This describes the product you\u2019re going to build, so you want to clearly describe the product\u2019s purpose, features, and functionalities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a sample product requirements document overview to use as a template:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n From London to Chicago, Taipei to Rio De Janeiro, if you\u2019ve ever lived in a big city, you know how hard finding parking can be. This description is a good PRD example of an overview because it describes the users\u2019 pain points, why they need your product (difficulty finding parking in a big city), and shows how the product will solve their problems (helping users find parking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our sample PRD overview discusses the product\u2019s main features and functionalities: finding open parking through the user\u2019s phone geolocation and GPS capabilities and crowdsourced user reports for open spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, the overview clearly and concisely describes why the product is needed and what it will do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More<\/strong>: What a Freelance Developer Contract Should Include<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This helps you answer who your audience is, what they can do with your product, when they might use your product, and how they will access it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s how SafePark went about describing their target customers on their sample PRD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Who<\/strong>: Car owners, aged 18-70, who live in major cities and need to find a parking spot. How will your product solve users\u2019 main problems?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s an example of how to go about this portion of the PRD: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n User Need<\/strong>: User needs to find a parking spot for their vehicle. Read More<\/strong>: Freelance Payment Terms: Fixed Cost vs Hourly vs Retainer Payments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you can describe the key functions users can carry out with your product. This section should focus on functionality rather than design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at this sample product requirements document user stories section:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All premium users will have access to freemium version features, but only premium users can use additional features.<\/em> List your main competitors, and describe their market position and product availability in this section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Writing this information down will not only give you a better idea of the market you\u2019re entering, but knowing more about your competitors can help you consider how else you could improve your product for better reach, product market fit, or edge over your competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s our example of competitor research on a PRD based on our fictional SafePark brand:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible SafePark Competition Read More<\/strong>: 14 Toptal Alternatives to Hire Freelance Software Developers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, we\u2019re going to walk through the technical processes behind the product and its basic capabilities. The more you know about what you\u2019d like to happen or how your product should work, the easier it will be for your developer to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re unsure about the complex technical aspects, however, don\u2019t fret. Try to be as clear as possible while being open to suggestions and feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we\u2019re going to write tech specs and a list of technical processes from the point of view of a founder who might not know how the development works but has an idea of what they want. In this section, points 6-8 are examples of a feature that wasn\u2019t mentioned before. The founder hopes to implement these features but isn\u2019t sure about their feasibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have a look at our example product requirements document process and specs section:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n SafePark Technical Process and Specs Here, talk about how you would like your product to be tested for quality assurance and documented before and after its release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This will facilitate conversation between you and your development team about how you want to communicate and collaborate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s another set of samples (blue boxes) that, when combined, show a PRD section documenting SafePark’s release criteria:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Testing\/QA<\/strong>: Before SafePark is released, I would like to complete alpha and beta testing to make sure there are no bugs, the GPS functions are accurate, the parking rates are displayed accurately, and the app does not crash, like those of my competitors. Note<\/strong>: While you don\u2019t have to know when exactly you want your product to be alpha or beta-tested \u2014 which you should plan to do to get user feedback and to better grasp your product-market fit \u2014 you should think about and discuss product testing and quality assurance issues with your developer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Documentation<\/strong>: I would like to make sure that my developer documents their code religiously. While that may cost me more in terms of time spent on the project, I would like other developers working on this project in the future to be able to read changes to the code. Note<\/strong>: While not all products require extended support, you should consider what happens after your product is built and launched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose to hire a freelance developer and are worried about problems during launch, it\u2019s worth making sure your developer will be available to help you or leave good documentation behind, after they are done building your product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for the 48-hour, post-launch standby, this is a semi-arbitrary time period that is not strictly necessary. In this hypothetical, we suggested a 48-hour standby period in case there are problems after launch that need immediate resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although you have tested this product, there could be unforeseen issues, server overloading, etc., that can happen if the product is very popular and the back-end systems are not prepared to handle it. Therefore, it would be safer to ensure someone is on hand to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Obviously, there is always the chance of bugs and glitches, even after extensive testing, but if something is going to go wrong, there is a greater chance it\u2019s going to go wrong immediately after launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read More<\/strong>: Toptal vs Upwork, Fiverr, Arc: Where to Find Great Freelance Developers?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Congratulations, we\u2019ve just completed one version of a product requirements document template!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few words of advice before you go off to make your million-dollar app a reality, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t know any programming lingo or terminology. If you\u2019re unsure how to describe what you want to happen to your developer, you can write a user story, which basically describes what you want the customer to experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, do let your developer know what you\u2019d like your app to do (in general terms). If you know what features you want, divide them into two categories: requirements (must-haves) and bonuses (nice-to-haves, but not requirements).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that not all features are created equal (or feasible). However, having made this list will at least force you to think about what you really need to bring the product to market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, when interviewing a developer<\/a>, ask which of your required or bonus features can be short-circuited, i.e., which features can be carried out using a basic script for your prototype. This will allow you to decide whether you want to try this feature at all before investing too much time into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, the more you know about what you want and the more specific you are in your PRD, the easier it is for a software developer to help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know how to write a product requirements document, here is a comparison of hiring developers in-house vs freelance vs going with recruitment agencies<\/a>. If you have any questions or feedback on writing PRDs, let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also try <\/em>Arc<\/a>, your<\/em> shortcut to the world’s best remote talent:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u26a1\ufe0f Access 450,000 top developers, designers, and marketers <\/a>Try Arc and hire top talent now \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Not so technical and need to know how to write a product requirements document? Here’s how to write a PRD with templates and examples.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1043,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hiring","category-management"],"yoast_head":"\n
\u26a1\ufe0f Freelance or full-time remote + fully vetted<\/em>
\u26a1\ufe0f Save up to 80% with global hires<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n5 Questions to Consider Before Writing a PRD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Components of a Product Requirements Document (PRD) Template<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Product Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SafePark can fix this problem for urbanites around the world. SafePark is a freemium app and website that will locate open parking spots in cities all across the world.
The free app will show you the unoccupied parking spot nearest to you (although it won\u2019t show whether the spot is metered or free of charge) while the premium version will display the cost of the parking spot in 15-minute increments.
SafePark will use the geolocation and GPS capabilities in your phone to show you where you can legally park and allows you to report to other users when a space becomes available. The website uses the same geolocation services as the mobile app but will show more possible locations because of the bigger screen size.
When it\u2019s released, SafePark will be the next revolution in urban living.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Target Users<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What<\/strong>: This app will allow users to find an unoccupied parking spot nearest to them using the GPS capabilities of their phone. They will also be able to report unoccupied spots (or to flag the spot they just left as unoccupied) after they leave.
When<\/strong>: Urbanites who need parking spots will use this app.
How<\/strong>: Via dedicated mobile apps or our website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. User Problems Solved<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Resolution<\/strong>: SafePark can use the users\u2019 phone\u2019s GPS to find the closest unoccupied parking spot. Only legal parking spots will be shown.
User Need<\/strong>: User needs to know how much parking would cost in a given location.
Resolution<\/strong>: In the premium version, users can see how much a parking spot costs, in 15 minute increments, in locations all over the city.
User Need<\/strong>: Tourists need to find parking and don\u2019t know where they can park.
Resolution<\/strong>: SafePark can use the users\u2019 phone\u2019s GPS to find the closest unoccupied parking spot. Only legal parking spots will be shown.
User Need<\/strong>: Driver gets frequent parking tickets and fines for unknowingly parking in illegal parking spaces.
Resolution<\/strong>: SafePark use the users\u2019 phone\u2019s GPS to find the closest unoccupied parking spot. Only legal parking spots will be shown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/arc.dev\/employer-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Employer-client-blog-CTA-banner.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. User Stories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. As a user, I can create an account linked to my email.
2. As a premium user, my account can save a list of parking spots that my phone will search for first.
3. As a user, I can see parking spots all over the city, both occupied and unoccupied on the website version.
4. As a premium user, all parking spots will have a cost displayed in 15-minute increments in locations all over the city.
5. As a user, my phone will show me the nearest parking spot using GPS geolocation.
6. As a premium user, the website and phone versions will alert me to events in the city that may affect my preferred parking locations.
7. As a user, my phone allows me to alert other users to empty parking spots.
8. As a premium user, I can alert other premium users to empty spots, which they will receive before non-premium users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"From](\"https:\/\/arc.dev\/employer-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/image.png\")
5. Competitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>
Parking Spot<\/strong> is one of the few parking locator apps out there. It\u2019s an Android app made by Aabasoft Android Development Division. Its interface is simple, with a find button and a list of parking spots based on their distance from your location.
Target audience<\/strong> is the same as SafePark: anyone who wants a nearby parking spot
Core functions available<\/strong>: find parking spots by distance, works with and without GPS
Pros<\/strong>: simple UI, easy to use, free
Cons<\/strong>: only for Android devices
Pricing<\/strong>: free
VoicePark<\/strong> is a hands-free turn-by-turn guidance app that will lead users to the closest available parking spot to their pre-determined destination. It uses real time data from on-street sensors, off-street parking availability, and predictive analytics.
Target audience<\/strong> is the same as SafePark: anyone who wants a nearby parking spot or tourists who need are unfamiliar with a new city and need guided assistance to find a parking spot
Core functions available<\/strong>: turn by turn guidance to parking spot near your destination
Pros<\/strong>: multi-platform, includes Android and iPhone, provides guidance to the parking spot, free
Cons<\/strong>: UI is clunky looking, uses Apple Maps
Pricing<\/strong>: free
Parker<\/strong> helps users find open, available parking spots for on-street parking spaces, garages, and lots. It also offers GPS navigation to real-time available parking. Parker shows prices, a built-in timer for meter expiration, and filter capabilities.
Target audience<\/strong> is the same as SafePark: anyone who wants a nearby parking spot and people who have a hard time remembering where they parked
Core functions available<\/strong>: turn-by-turn guidance to parking spot near your destination, meter expiration timer, saves parking location, displays prices
Pros<\/strong>: available on Android and iPhone, provides guidance to the parking spot, free
Cons<\/strong>: limited number of cities supported
Pricing<\/strong>: free<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Technical Process and Specs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>
1. The app needs to be able to access geolocation and GPS services from the users\u2019 phone in order to find nearby parking spots.
2. The app should be able to connect to public parking APIs in order to tap into information on public parking, such as rates and availability. Some major cities, like San Francisco, have their city parking spot information available online. If SafePark can sync with that information, it adds to the number of legal, open spots available.
3. The app should be able to access privately owned lots as well to give more detailed information on parking rates.
4. The app should have a function like Waze, where users can report open parking spots on the street. This will encourage user participation and increase the number of parking spots that users see.
5. The app should be able to sync across mobile and desktop so that users can look up information at home, on their computers, and be able to access it on the go.
6. Ideally, a user will open the app, press their \u201cfind me\u201d button, and see the parking options nearest to them, color-coded by type: blue for user reported, yellow for free parking, green for private lots, and orange for public parking.
7. Premium users will be able to see the rates for public and private parking closest to them. They will also be able to get preferential alerts, so the back-end needs a database of premium users.
8. The user should have some sort of easy-to-find button to report an empty space, and quickly choose what kind of parking category it belongs to. The app will color-code the information automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Release Criteria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I will consult with my developer on how they will complete QA trial runs for the alpha and beta testing, as well as the final version before release. I will also discuss with them what happens if QA testing fails.
In addition, I will talk to my developer about the time frames for alpha testing and then beta testing. With a launch date of six months from now, I would like alpha testing to be completed at least three months into the project, beta testing five months into the project, and a final version to be tested for a month prior to launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This not only avoids technical debt \u2014 where choosing a short-term easy fix right now creates more problems down the road \u2014 especially if I decide to scale the product. Good documentation also ensures continuity between developers working on the project.
I would also like to be updated on possible changes to features, either via a project management tool or email. I would like to be briefed on a bi-monthly basis, rather than simply view a finished product.
Support<\/strong>: I would like to ask my developer what support will be offered after the initial product is built. I will also make sure that the developer I hire will be available on a standby basis (and will be compensated accordingly) for at least the first 48 hours after launch, to ensure that any unforeseen glitches will be taken care of.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Word to the Wise Before You Write Your PRD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u26a1\ufe0f Vetted and ready to interview<\/em>
\u26a1\ufe0f Freelance or full-time<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n