With the number of people using mobile over desktop continuing to grow, companies have realized their need to utilize mobile to reach more people. Studies have shown that 85 percent of users prefer mobile apps over mobile websites. In recent years, more people are using mobile apps, and therefore it is important for companies to optimize their apps for a better user experience. Additionally, to produce the best apps tailored to boost user experience, product requirements documentation is essential to act as the basis for this goal.
The Production Process
Product requirements documentation (PRD) outlines a product’s purpose, features, functions, behaviors, and how it meets customer needs. Developing this technical documentation early on in the creation of an app (or any other product for that matter) is vital. This helps keep developers on track, providing a clear idea of the end goal and ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding what they need to do. In addition, it avoids any unnecessary confusion later on in the production process. If this documentation is inadequate at the beginning stage, this may completely sidetrack the creation of an app, as the development process can change at inconvenient times. Product requirements documentation helps developers stay on schedule, keeps stakeholders happy, and makes it easier for marketing teams to then come up with ways to market the app to customers.
What goes into Product Requirements Documentation?
Product requirements documentation is what steers the development team, creates a common understanding of what the product is supposed to look like, and how it benefits the user. However, it is crucial that this type of technical documentation is clear and concise so as to prevent any misunderstandings leading to costly and time-consuming fixes when a product may already be fully developed. Additionally, a PRD is similar to the blueprints of a building. A construction team must have the blueprints to understand what the end product is going to look like and how to get there. A PRD is the same in that it gives the development team a sort of “blueprint” to follow in regards to what is expected of the product so they know what and how to build.
Below are a few questions to ask regarding a product requirements document:
- What is the purpose of the product?
- What problems is it trying to solve?
- Who are the clients?
- What should the end product look like?
- What are its essential function and features of the product?
Product Requirement Documentation for Mobile App Development
Product requirements documentation defines the features, functions, and user benefits to the mobile app development team. So they are able to build an app around these specifications. The PRD for a mobile app should address such issues as navigation and accessibility, including how the user can interact with the app. The navigation difficulties can discourage users from continuing to use the app. This document should also make mention of any existing apps that could perhaps inform the development of your app. Furthermore, the document must also include any technical specifications. For example, it should state what operating systems it will run on and if any maintenance will be needed in the future. The product requirements document helps provide a guideline of the development process. A PRD should also be easy to follow and accessible for all involved in mobile app development to understand the process, a skill technical writers have honed.
Steps for Creating Product Requirement Documentation for Mobile Apps
Probably the first step in writing product requirement documentation for mobile app development is to determine what the product needs to be capable of and how it works. After figuring this out, the writer should explain the features the app must have, how it is meant to help the user, how the user will use it, and its purpose. The documentation should also provide the technical details for the app, the criteria for the app’s release, and the timeline for its development. After the initial documentation itself is completed, the writer should make sure that it is made easily accessible to anyone who needs it. Furthermore, the documentation should be updated on a consistent basis to account for any changes in the development process or updates to the app after its release.
App Statistics
Statistics show that about 24 percent of users abandon apps after their first use. Given the amount of money, time, and effort put into the development of mobile apps. If you want your app to succeed it is imperative that you have a solid foundation to start. Users tend to lose interest in an app quickly. One such prominent example is the Quibi app, which offered content for people to watch on their phones but lasted for only a few months. One of the reasons the app failed was due to its lack of ability to stream on another device besides your phone. In this case, a thorough product requirements document will catch this issue before beginning to develop the application.
How Essential Data’s Technical Writers Can Help
While app developers are highly knowledgeable in the work that goes into developing an app. This may not necessarily translate into an accessible product requirements document. Each team member should easily understand the PRD. Using simple language is key in order to keep the documentation understandable and useful. In addition, the marketing team needs to use the PRD to come up with a way to sell the app.
Technical jargon is not useful – it will only serve to confuse readers. In this regard, EDC’s technical writers can help greatly, as they have experience in taking difficult and technical language and produce universally understandable writing. With years of experience producing technical documentation including training materials, procedural documentation, and a variety of other types of technical documentation. Our well equipped tech writers will produce comprehensive product requirements documentation.
How EDC can Help
Whether you need a team of consultants to produce a complete line of documentation or a single technical writer for a brief project, Essential Data’s Engagement Manager will lead the project from start to finish. Essential Data Corporation guarantees the quality of our work. Contact us today to get started. (800) 221-0093 or sales@edc.us
Written by Diana Guerra