I know you must be thinking, “What is an application requirement document?” Or if you already know what it is (you smart fella), you must be wondering, “Is it so important for the success of my app?”<\/p>\n
Well, the answer is yes, it is.<\/p>\n
An application requirements document is the plan of your app. It contains the outline, goals, specifications, features and technical details that you need to execute in your app. It is a guideline for the mobile app development company you hired to build your app as per your needs.<\/p>\n
In this article, we’ll discuss why you need a well-drafted app requirements document, how it will be beneficial to you and key points to be considered to frame a flawless document.<\/p>\n
We answer all these questions and more<\/i><\/strong> in this blog:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Why do You Need an App Requirements Document?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Non- Functional Requirements are Equally Important<\/a><\/li>\n
- Wrap up<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Why do You Need an App Requirements Document?<\/h2>\n
Let\u2019s imagine you want to get a dazzling tailored suit. You go to the finest tailor shop in the town and explain the type of suit you want. The fabric, the fitting, the cut- Italian, American or English, single breasted or double breasted, the shape of the cuffs-round, diagonal or square, lapel, etc. Explaining this would allow the tailor to custom stitch the suit exactly<\/strong> as per your needs that would look splendid<\/strong> on you.<\/p>\nSimilarly, for developing a perfect app you need an app requirements document that explains your idea.<\/p>\n
It works as a compass.<\/em> It gives direction to the developers and you as a client know if the app is being developed\u00a0as per your plan.<\/p>\nBenefits to the client<\/h3>\n
App requirements document is a prerequisite for developing an app. It includes the objective of the app and necessary features that the client wants to incorporate.\u00a0 Thus, a precise app is developed exactly as per the envisioned idea.<\/p>\n
Benefits to the developer<\/h3>\n
The developer gets a guideline and pathway to work on. It makes it feasible for them to know the deadline and precise execution of the app.<\/p>\n
Here are some points you must consider while you formulate the app requirements document.<\/p>\n
Synopsis of the app idea<\/h3>\n
A brief synopsis can easily explain the central idea and core of the app. E.g. A brief description of a privacy app can be- \u201cPrivate Vault<\/a> is a privacy app to hide personal photos, videos and notes and safeguard the personal data.\u201d<\/p>\nTarget audience<\/h3>\n
Considering the target audience is a prerequisite for your app. Locality, age group, profession, etc must be kept in mind while developing the app and must be added to the app requirements document. For example, if an app is developed for kids, it should contain more engaging content like attractive illustrations and pictures rather than just text.<\/p>\n
Features<\/h3>\n
An app requirements document must contain all features you need in the app. This will help the developer to work on the functionality and features as per your needs. For instance,\u00a0 smile and face detection feature in a camera app. Here is an excel sheet containing the features of an app.<\/p>\n
![\"Features](\"https:\/\/www.techuz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Features.png\")
<\/p>\n
Navigation Pattern<\/h3>\n
You must explain the navigation pattern of the system in the app requirements document. It allows the developer to understand the sequence of the screen that the user will explore. The sequence of intro screen, registration and setup, login, home screen, etc. Tools such as\u00a0Invision studio<\/a>, Axure RP<\/a>,\u00a0Proto.io<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0\u00a0Marvel<\/a>, can be handy for this.<\/p>\n![\"Navigation](\"https:\/\/www.techuz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ezgif.com-video-to-gif-3.gif\")
<\/p>\n
(Navigation pattern of an email app. Source- Invision)<\/em><\/p>\nDetails of each module<\/h3>\n
Just like defining the navigation pattern of the app, it is important to describe the details of each module. It will help the developers to understand the function and importance of each module to develop it in a better way.<\/p>\n
Analyse the existing apps and your competitors<\/h3>\n\n“We watch our competitors, learn from them, see the things that they were doing for customers and copy those things as much as we can.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 -Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Though not copying, even by reviewing the existing apps and competitors you can come across some features that can enhance your app. Similar existing apps and websites can also be a great tool to explain the developer more clearly.<\/p>\n
Wireframing<\/h3>\n
Wireframing incorporates your ideas into a sketch and gives it a visual representation. It gives you clarity of thoughts as well as makes a lot easier for the developer to understand your idea.<\/p>\n
![\"Wireframing](\"https:\/\/www.techuz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Wireframe.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
RAID log<\/h3>\n
Keeping in mind the RAID log before the development of app will create a breakdown of Risk, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies of the app. At the time of development, it can be quite useful.<\/p>\n
Non- Functional Requirements are Equally Important<\/h2>\n
While the functional requirements define what to do, the non-functional requirements define how to do it. Non-functional requirements are as important as the functional requirements.\u00a0Server configuration, page speed, number of concurrent users and search engine optimization of the website are the essentials things to be kept in mind while drafting the app requirements document.<\/p>\n
Following are some non-functional requirements one must consider while drafting the app requirements document.<\/p>\n
Performance Requirements<\/h3>\n
It shows the performance requirements of the system\/product such as:<\/p>\n
\n- Response Time<\/li>\n
- Workload<\/li>\n
- Scalability<\/li>\n
- Platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Capacity Requirements<\/h3>\n
Capacity requirements indicate the load-bearing capacity of the system\/product.<\/p>\n
\n- Network load<\/li>\n
- Concurrent sessions<\/li>\n
- Clustered Configuration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
System Interfacing<\/h3>\n
System interfacing provides\u00a0the interfacing of the proposed system with other systems which are outside the domain of the proposed system.<\/p>\n
Availability & Reliability Requirements<\/h3>\n
Availability & reliability requirements lead to the robustness of the system.<\/p>\n
Data Recovery Requirements<\/h3>\n
Data recovery requirements suggest recovery requirements of the system (a part of BCR management). This should go hand-to-hand with availability & reliability requirements.<\/p>\n
Usability Requirements<\/h3>\n
It points out the requirements that are related to users’ experience with the system.<\/p>\n
Security Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n
Suggests security requirements for the system\/product.<\/p>\n
Audit Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n
Suggests audit requirements of the system\/product (Capturing of the transactions happening on the system\/product).<\/span><\/p>\nSoftware Pre-Requisites<\/h3>\n
Suggests software pre-requisites for the proposed system\/product. This should include the developer, testing as well as production environment.<\/p>\n
Migration Requirements<\/h3>\n
It suggests what are the migration requirements for the system\/product.<\/p>\n
Wrap up<\/h2>\n
Aristotle<\/em> once made a profound statement,\u00a0“Well begun is half done.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nSimilarly, creating an effective app requirements document makes your app development process precise and quick. \u00a0Your app idea is implemented exactly the way you want. This saves your time and reduces unwanted delays. So next time when you hire a software development company, make sure to prepare a good app requirements document to get the app of your dreams.<\/p>\n
Hope you are benefited reading it.\u00a0\u00a0If you are looking forward to\u00a0develop a mobile\/web app, we\u2019ll be more than happy to help you with it. We here at Techuz<\/a> develop state of the art web and mobile solutions and\u00a0love to deliver promises. So let\u2019s get started!<\/span> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Are you considering getting a mobile\/web app? Well, that\u2019s a great idea! It\u2019s so smart of you that you understand the gravity of digital presence in today\u2019s era. Getting a web or mobile app will automatically put you in a proactive stance in the market and you\u2019ll move towards your goal at a faster pace. … <\/p>\n
Why do You Need an App Requirements Document?<\/h2>\n
Let\u2019s imagine you want to get a dazzling tailored suit. You go to the finest tailor shop in the town and explain the type of suit you want. The fabric, the fitting, the cut- Italian, American or English, single breasted or double breasted, the shape of the cuffs-round, diagonal or square, lapel, etc. Explaining this would allow the tailor to custom stitch the suit exactly<\/strong> as per your needs that would look splendid<\/strong> on you.<\/p>\n Similarly, for developing a perfect app you need an app requirements document that explains your idea.<\/p>\n It works as a compass.<\/em> It gives direction to the developers and you as a client know if the app is being developed\u00a0as per your plan.<\/p>\n App requirements document is a prerequisite for developing an app. It includes the objective of the app and necessary features that the client wants to incorporate.\u00a0 Thus, a precise app is developed exactly as per the envisioned idea.<\/p>\n The developer gets a guideline and pathway to work on. It makes it feasible for them to know the deadline and precise execution of the app.<\/p>\n Here are some points you must consider while you formulate the app requirements document.<\/p>\n A brief synopsis can easily explain the central idea and core of the app. E.g. A brief description of a privacy app can be- \u201cPrivate Vault<\/a> is a privacy app to hide personal photos, videos and notes and safeguard the personal data.\u201d<\/p>\n Considering the target audience is a prerequisite for your app. Locality, age group, profession, etc must be kept in mind while developing the app and must be added to the app requirements document. For example, if an app is developed for kids, it should contain more engaging content like attractive illustrations and pictures rather than just text.<\/p>\n An app requirements document must contain all features you need in the app. This will help the developer to work on the functionality and features as per your needs. For instance,\u00a0 smile and face detection feature in a camera app. Here is an excel sheet containing the features of an app.<\/p>\n You must explain the navigation pattern of the system in the app requirements document. It allows the developer to understand the sequence of the screen that the user will explore. The sequence of intro screen, registration and setup, login, home screen, etc. Tools such as\u00a0Invision studio<\/a>, Axure RP<\/a>,\u00a0Proto.io<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0\u00a0Marvel<\/a>, can be handy for this.<\/p>\n (Navigation pattern of an email app. Source- Invision)<\/em><\/p>\n Just like defining the navigation pattern of the app, it is important to describe the details of each module. It will help the developers to understand the function and importance of each module to develop it in a better way.<\/p>\n “We watch our competitors, learn from them, see the things that they were doing for customers and copy those things as much as we can.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 -Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Though not copying, even by reviewing the existing apps and competitors you can come across some features that can enhance your app. Similar existing apps and websites can also be a great tool to explain the developer more clearly.<\/p>\n Wireframing incorporates your ideas into a sketch and gives it a visual representation. It gives you clarity of thoughts as well as makes a lot easier for the developer to understand your idea.<\/p>\n Keeping in mind the RAID log before the development of app will create a breakdown of Risk, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies of the app. At the time of development, it can be quite useful.<\/p>\n While the functional requirements define what to do, the non-functional requirements define how to do it. Non-functional requirements are as important as the functional requirements.\u00a0Server configuration, page speed, number of concurrent users and search engine optimization of the website are the essentials things to be kept in mind while drafting the app requirements document.<\/p>\n Following are some non-functional requirements one must consider while drafting the app requirements document.<\/p>\n It shows the performance requirements of the system\/product such as:<\/p>\n Capacity requirements indicate the load-bearing capacity of the system\/product.<\/p>\n System interfacing provides\u00a0the interfacing of the proposed system with other systems which are outside the domain of the proposed system.<\/p>\n Availability & reliability requirements lead to the robustness of the system.<\/p>\n Data recovery requirements suggest recovery requirements of the system (a part of BCR management). This should go hand-to-hand with availability & reliability requirements.<\/p>\n It points out the requirements that are related to users’ experience with the system.<\/p>\n Suggests security requirements for the system\/product.<\/p>\n Suggests audit requirements of the system\/product (Capturing of the transactions happening on the system\/product).<\/span><\/p>\n Suggests software pre-requisites for the proposed system\/product. This should include the developer, testing as well as production environment.<\/p>\n It suggests what are the migration requirements for the system\/product.<\/p>\n Aristotle<\/em> once made a profound statement,\u00a0“Well begun is half done.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Similarly, creating an effective app requirements document makes your app development process precise and quick. \u00a0Your app idea is implemented exactly the way you want. This saves your time and reduces unwanted delays. So next time when you hire a software development company, make sure to prepare a good app requirements document to get the app of your dreams.<\/p>\n Hope you are benefited reading it.\u00a0\u00a0If you are looking forward to\u00a0develop a mobile\/web app, we\u2019ll be more than happy to help you with it. We here at Techuz<\/a> develop state of the art web and mobile solutions and\u00a0love to deliver promises. So let\u2019s get started!<\/span> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Are you considering getting a mobile\/web app? Well, that\u2019s a great idea! It\u2019s so smart of you that you understand the gravity of digital presence in today\u2019s era. Getting a web or mobile app will automatically put you in a proactive stance in the market and you\u2019ll move towards your goal at a faster pace. … <\/p>\nBenefits to the client<\/h3>\n
Benefits to the developer<\/h3>\n
Synopsis of the app idea<\/h3>\n
Target audience<\/h3>\n
Features<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nNavigation Pattern<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nDetails of each module<\/h3>\n
Analyse the existing apps and your competitors<\/h3>\n
\n
Wireframing<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nRAID log<\/h3>\n
Non- Functional Requirements are Equally Important<\/h2>\n
Performance Requirements<\/h3>\n
\n
Capacity Requirements<\/h3>\n
\n
System Interfacing<\/h3>\n
Availability & Reliability Requirements<\/h3>\n
Data Recovery Requirements<\/h3>\n
Usability Requirements<\/h3>\n
Security Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n
Audit Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n
Software Pre-Requisites<\/h3>\n
Migration Requirements<\/h3>\n
Wrap up<\/h2>\n