When it comes to product development, a product spec or product specification can either make or break your efforts. It acts as a blueprint for building a product from scratch or introducing new features to an existing product. A product spec effortlessly guides research and development teams from concept to completion, informing each of their decisions and helping them track progress. If a product spec holds such importance in product development, shouldn’t writing it involve a strategic approach other than the apparent effort? This post will help you understand how to report product specs to get the most value. But first, let’s look at the product specification definition for better understanding.
What Is a Product Specification?
A product specification is a detailed document that outlines the features and requirements for a product under development. It also states the market-related information and what regulatory standards a manufacturer must maintain during product development. A product spec informs teams about the materials and dimensions for the product, offering clarity on what the final product should be like.
Now that defining product specifications is out of the way, let’s dive into the 4-step strategy for writing the best product specs without wasting time.
Start By Creating the Problem Statement
Engaging with and understanding your target market is necessary to create products that resonate with your customers. Start by documenting your insights and creating a “problem statement.” A problem statement talks about a market need from the standpoint of ordinary people encountering the problem. It doesn’t propose any solutions but offers a detailed understanding of the problem and the value associated with fixing it.
Typically, a problem statement covers three main aspects. First, it identifies who is affected by the issue. Next, it highlights the problem itself; ensure this part adequately describes it correctly. Finally, it states how prevalent the problem is. If it’s uncommon and impacts a few people, it will have a low impact, so solving such a problem will have no real value for your business.
Get Cracking on the Product Specification
Once you diagnose the problem and prepare the problem statement, It’s time to start creating the product specification. Bring in team members who assisted you with the market research and understanding the problem. For others, hold a meeting and acquaint them with your findings.
When you collaborate with your team members who worked with you on gathering the market data, they enrich the product specification document with their input. By expressly defining the problem and brainstorming possible solutions, you will have enough information to assemble a well-crafted product specification.
Roll Out Product Specs in Stages
How long is your product specification? Five pages? Ten pages? Or it could even be higher. So as not to overwhelm your team, it is best to share small portions of the product spec in the first instance. Some team members might review its contents if your product spec needs to be more concise (sometimes, you will need exhaustive specs!), so supplying it in small, easy-to-digest portions is essential.
Refer Back to the Product Statement to Stay on Track
When you work on the specification, keep referring back to the problem statement to ensure your product is still the solution to the diagnosed problem. Losing sight of the problem can detract from the intended outcome, so ensure you are still on target, as this also helps with managing stakeholders’ expectations. The process remains controlled and transparent with a proper framework, preventing anyone from making whimsical decisions.
You Got This!
Writing product specifications might seem daunting, but if you follow these steps, the process will be a breeze! Do your market research and jot down all essential details in your specifications. By engaging with your target market, you focus on its pulse and remain aware of its needs. So, be informed, create high-quality products from well-prepared specs, and stay competitive!
