Ever wonder why your dream project isn't taking off? Why has that brilliant app idea not become the next big thing? By understanding the magic of PRD, we can unravel the mystery behind turning concepts into impactful products.

Introduction

So you've got a fantastic idea for a project. You're excited, motivated, and ready to dive into coding. But wait! Before you start typing away, a crucial step can make or break your product's success—the Product Requirements Document, or PRD.

Whenever tech enthusiasts want to develop a product, they often say they will build something like Zoom or an Instagram-type app. But when asked about their objective or project, they often can't provide a clear answer. This is where a PRD comes in.

Think of a PRD as the blueprint for your product, much like a recipe for your favorite Indian dish. Without the recipe, you might miss key ingredients or steps, and the result might not be what you envisioned.

In this blog, we'll journey together to understand the PRD in a relatable way, especially if you're new to the concept. We'll even craft a PRD for a simple To-Do app as our running example. So grab a cup of chai, and let's get started! ☕

Why is PRD important?

Imagine planning a road trip from Delhi to Goa without a map. Sounds chaotic, right? Similarly, jumping into product development without a PRD can lead to confusion, wasted time, and missed goals.

A PRD helps you:

• Clarify your objectives. 🎯

• Define the scope of your project. 🗂️

• Align your team (even if it's just you!). 🤝

• Stay focused on what's important. 🔍

Breaking Down the PRD

1. Objective – Kya Banega?

Purpose: Define the main goal of your product.

Example (To-Do App):

• Objective: Create a simple and intuitive To-Do app that helps users organize their daily tasks efficiently.

  💡

  🌟 Analogy: Think of the objective as deciding to make "Aloo Paratha" for breakfast. You know exactly what you want to cook.

2. In Scope – Kya Banayenge?

Purpose: Outline what features and functionalities will be included.

Example:

• Users can sign up and log in. 🔐

• Users can add, edit, and delete tasks. ✏️

• Tasks can be marked as completed. ✅

• Basic categorization of tasks (e.g., Work, Personal). 📁

• Simple and clean user interface. 🖥️

• User dashboard to view and manage tasks. 🗂️

  💡

  📝 Analogy: This is like listing the ingredients you'll include in your Aloo Paratha—potatoes, spices, dough, etc.

3. Out of Scope – Kya Abhi Nahi Banayenge?

Purpose: Clarify what will not be included in this version of the product to manage expectations.

Example:

• No push notifications. 🚫

• No cloud synchronization across devices. 🚫

• No collaboration features (sharing tasks with others). 🚫

  💡

  🚫 Analogy: Deciding not to make accompaniments like lassi or pickle this time. The focus is solely on the paratha.

4. Features and Requirements – Product Karega Kya?

Breaking down the functionalities into detailed features.

P1 – Must-Have Features (High Priority)

• Add Task: Users can add new tasks with a title and optional description. ✏️

• Edit Task: Users can modify existing tasks. 📝

• Delete Task: Users can remove tasks they no longer need. 🗑️

• Mark as Complete: Users can mark tasks as done. ✅

P2 – Nice-to-Have Features (Medium Priority)

• Task Categories: Users can categorize tasks. 📁

• Search Functionality: Users can search for tasks. 🔍

P3 - Future Enhancements (Low Priority)

• Due Dates: Ability to set deadlines. 🗓️

• Recurring Tasks: Option for tasks that repeat. 🔁

5. User Stories – The user Is King

Purpose: Understand the product from the user's perspective.

Example:

• As a user, I want to add tasks quickly so that I can organize my to-do list efficiently. 📝

• As a user, I want to mark tasks as completed so I can track my progress. ✅

• As a user, I want a clean interface so that using the app feels intuitive. 🖥️

  💡

  👤 Analogy: Imagine you're cooking for someone else. You need to understand their taste preferences to make the dish enjoyable for them.

6. Technical Requirements – Tech Stack Decisions

Purpose: Define the technologies you'll use to build the product.

Example:

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (possibly using a framework like React). 🌐

• Backend: None for now (data stored locally). 💾

• Platform: Web application optimized for mobile and desktop browsers. 🖥️📱

  💡

  🔧 Analogy: Choosing the right utensils and equipment for cooking. You need the appropriate tools to make the process smooth.

7. Design Requirements – Dikhave pe Mat Jao, Design Pe Jao

Purpose: Outline the look and feel of the product.

Example:

• Simplicity: Minimalistic design with a focus on usability. ✨

• Color Scheme: Soft pastel colors to avoid eye strain. 🎨

• Responsive Design: The app should work seamlessly on various screen sizes. 📱💻

  💡

  🎨 Analogy: Presentation matters! Just like garnishing your dish makes it more appealing, good design enhances user experience.

8. Success Metrics – Kaise Pata Chalega Ki Kamyab Hue?

Purpose: Determine how you'll measure the product's success.

Example:

• User Engagement: Track the number of tasks users add. 📈

• Retention Rate: Monitor how often users return to the app. 🔄

• Completion Rate: Observe the percentage of tasks users complete. ✅

  💡

  📊 Analogy: Just like you would taste your dish to check if it turned out as expected, these metrics will help you understand how well your product is performing once it's live.

9. Timeline – Kab Tak Banega?

Purpose: Set a realistic timeline for development.

Example:

Conclusion

So yes, we have created our To-Do app's PRD!

Crafting a PRD might seem like an extra step, but it's an investment that pays off by providing clarity and direction. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, a well-thought-out PRD keeps everyone aligned and focused on building a product that users will love.

💡 Remember:

• A PRD is your guiding light, 🗺️ helping you navigate the complexities of product development.

• It's not just about what you build, 🔧 but how you plan to build it.

• Staying organized with a clear PRD 📋 ensures that you don't miss out on key features or end up with an incomplete product.

🚀 Ready to take your project to the next level? Embrace the power of a PRD and watch your ideas transform into successful, user-friendly products!

Thank you for joining me on this journey from concept to creation. If you found this guide helpful, don't forget to share it with your fellow tech enthusiasts.

Check Out Todo app PRD on Github

Stay curious, keep learning, and never stop creating. Until next time! 👋