How to write a PRD (with examples)?

Summary

In this 'Product is Life' episode, the focus is on crafting a Product Requirements Document (PRD). The video explains the distinction between a PRD, Business Requirement Document (BRD), and Market Requirement Document (MRD), emphasizing the PRD's role in detailing product features and development specifics. Key components of a PRD include the product's objective, success criteria, feature details expressed through user stories, UX design with wireframes or prototypes, and a roadmap or release plan. The video stresses the importance of stakeholder review and sign-off for accountability and timely product delivery.

Takeaways

• 📝 A PRD (Product Requirements Document) is a detailed document outlining all the features of a product.
• 📋 PRDs differ from BRDs (Business Requirement Documents) and MRDs (Market Requirement Documents) by focusing on the 'what' and 'how' of product features, rather than the 'why'.
• 🎯 The 'Objective' section of a PRD should clearly state the product's purpose, the customer problem it solves, and how it will aid business growth.
• 📊 'Success Criteria' lists quantitative metrics to measure the product's success post-launch, requiring specificity and clear measurement capabilities.
• 📝 'Product or Feature Details' form the core of a PRD, detailing features in user story format, ensuring clarity for product design and tech teams.
• 🔍 It's crucial to consider all edge cases within user stories to prevent misunderstandings and ensure comprehensive product development.
• 🎨 'User Experience Design' should include visual representations like wireframes or prototypes to align expectations between stakeholders and the design team.
• 📅 The 'Roadmap or Release Plan' section outlines the tentative release timeline, which is crucial for prioritizing development and resource allocation.
• ✅ 'Stakeholder Review and Sign Off' is an essential yet often overlooked part of a PRD, ensuring accountability and commitment to the product's features and timeline.
• 🤝 Getting sign off from various teams including product, business, design, tech, and analytics is key to avoiding delays and ensuring smooth product delivery.

Q & A

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

A PRD outlines all the features of a product in detail, focusing on what the product will do and how it will be built. It differs from documents like a Business Requirement Document (BRD) or Market Requirement Document (MRD), which focus more on the customer problem or business opportunity.

How does a PRD differ from a BRD or MRD?

A BRD or MRD focuses on the 'why'—such as the customer problem or business opportunity. A PRD, however, focuses on the 'what' and 'how,' detailing what features will be built and how they will be implemented.

What are the key components of a good PRD?

The key components include the product’s objective, success criteria, feature details (often written as user stories), UX design, implementation details, release plan or roadmap, and stakeholder review and sign-off.

Why is the 'objective' section important in a PRD?

The objective sets a high-level understanding of why the product is being built, what customer problem it addresses, and how it will benefit the business. It ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on the product’s purpose.

What should be included in the 'success criteria' section of a PRD?

The success criteria should list quantitative metrics to measure the product’s success or failure. These should be specific and measurable, such as a 10% drop in incomplete signup requests after revamping a signup flow.

How are 'product or feature details' usually presented in a PRD?

They are often written as user stories, which describe what a user (type) wants to do (action) and why (goal). This section should also include edge cases, flowcharts, tech architecture details, assumptions, and constraints.

Why is including UX design important in a PRD?

Including UX design, such as wireframes or prototypes, helps ensure there is a clear visual understanding of how the product will look and function. This prevents miscommunication between product and design teams, reducing unnecessary iterations.

What is the purpose of a release plan or roadmap in a PRD?

A release plan outlines the timeline for product delivery. For complex products, it may describe a phased release where the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) comes first, followed by incremental releases of additional features.

Why is stakeholder review and sign-off crucial in a PRD process?

Stakeholder review and sign-off bring accountability and commitment from all teams involved. It ensures that everyone agrees on the features and timelines, reducing the risk of delays due to misalignment or people issues.

What is the benefit of using user stories in a PRD?

User stories clearly communicate the product requirements from the user’s perspective. They make it easier for product, design, and tech teams to understand the user’s needs and the goals of the product, ensuring clarity in development.