Webinar: How to Write Great Product Requirements by Amazon Sr PM, Elly Newell

Summary

This video presentation guides viewers on effectively creating Product Requirements Documents (PRDs), emphasizing their role as the cornerstone of product development. It outlines the necessity of clear, user-centered requirements and the importance of regular team collaboration and feedback to identify gaps early. The PRD serves as a vital reference for development and QA teams, ensuring that features are implemented as intended. Key takeaways include locking the PRD once development begins, incorporating both features and properties, and engaging with developers to cover all relevant scenarios. This comprehensive approach enhances clarity and alignment across teams.

Takeaways

• 😀 A Product Requirements Document (PRD) serves as a crucial reference point throughout the product development process.
• 📄 Once development starts, the PRD should be considered locked, and changes should be minimal and well-documented.
• 👥 The development team uses the PRD to create user stories and project plans, while the QA team uses it for their QA planning.
• 🔍 It's essential to reference the PRD during pre-launch to ensure that the implementation matches the specifications.
• 📊 Conducting demos with the PRD allows for real-time verification of features, helping to catch any discrepancies immediately.
• 💡 Regular reviews of the PRD with the team can identify gaps and clarify requirements before development time is invested.
• 📝 Writing requirements from the end-user's perspective enhances clarity and aids developers in understanding user needs.
• 🔧 Requirements should include not only product features but also properties, such as error handling and necessary assumptions.
• 🤝 Collaboration with developers is crucial to ensure all necessary properties and edge cases are included in the requirements.
• 🚀 The speaker encourages viewers to actively engage with their teams and start writing their own product requirements effectively.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a Product Requirements Document (PRD)?

The primary purpose of a PRD is to serve as a comprehensive guide for product development, outlining features and requirements that the development team must follow.

When should a PRD be considered locked?

A PRD should be considered locked once development starts, meaning that any changes should be limited and well-documented.

How does the development team use the PRD during the project?

The development team uses the PRD to create user stories and a project plan, ensuring alignment with the documented requirements.

Why is it important to review the PRD with the team regularly?

Regular reviews of the PRD with the team help catch gaps in requirements early, allowing for feedback and necessary adjustments before significant development time is invested.

How should requirements be written for maximum clarity?

Requirements should be written from the end user's perspective to ensure that developers understand how specific users will interact with the features.

What should be included in the PRD beyond product features?

The PRD should also include properties, such as error handling scenarios and assumptions necessary for the features to function correctly.

What role does QA play in relation to the PRD?

The QA team uses the PRD to build their QA plan, ensuring that the implemented features meet the outlined requirements.

What is a recommended practice during product demos?

During demos, it is beneficial to have the PRD on hand to check off each feature as it is presented, ensuring all aspects are shown and correctly implemented.

How can the PRD facilitate communication among team members?

The PRD acts as a source of truth, enabling team members to refer to it for clarification on what is being implemented, which enhances communication and alignment.

What advice is given for writing effective product requirements?

It is advised to work closely with developers to ensure that all relevant properties are included in the requirements, improving clarity and completeness.