You have made the decision to order website development services and have a clear vision of what it should be. You understand the functions the website should perform, envision its design, and have specific timelines in mind. To ensure the development process goes smoothly, before you start looking for a developer, it's a good idea to create a technical specification.
Of course, creating a comprehensive technical specification often requires specialized expertise, but you can certainly write a preliminary document in your own words. After choosing a web development studio, their specialists can then add technical details and structure it as needed. In this article, we will guide you on what to pay attention to so that there are no situations during development like "but I asked for this" — "it's not in the technical specification."
Development of a Technical Specification for a Website
A technical specification for website development is a fundamental step without which the entire web project creation process may be inefficient and stressful. This document serves as a navigation guide for all project participants and outlines key aspects of the work.
Goals of Developing a Technical Specification
Clear Understanding of the Project's Purpose
The technical specification helps the client and developers to clearly define the purpose and objectives of the website. It helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures a shared vision of the final outcome.
Definition of Scope and Functionality
The document precisely defines the scope of functionality that the website is expected to provide. This assists in determining the necessary technical solutions and means to achieve the project's goals during development.
Risk Reduction
The technical specification helps identify potential risks and issues during the project planning phase. This allows for the preparation of action plans to address them and avoid delays in development.
Improved Communication
The document establishes a common language for all project participants, including the client, designers, programmers, and testers. This promotes better communication and mutual understanding of tasks.
Quality Control
The technical specification sets the criteria for assessing the quality of the project, helping to determine whether they have been met. This is crucial for ensuring the high quality of the final product.
Budget and Timeline Planning
The technical specification establishes the expected scope of work and project completion timelines. This allows developers and the client to monitor expenses and avoid schedule delays.
Setting the Goals and Objectives of the Developed Website
Defining the Purpose of Creating a Website
The start of any successful project begins with a clearly defined goal. This holds true for the creation of a website, which requires a clear understanding of why the website is being developed. Defining the purpose is the first and one of the most crucial steps in the process of creating a technical specification for a website.
Defining the website's purpose is the task of articulating how the web resource is intended to solve a specific problem or task. The purpose can vary widely, depending on the project's nature. Here are a few examples:
Informational Resource
Websites that provide information on a specific topic or product. The goal is to disseminate knowledge, offer up-to-date information, and educate.
E-commerce
Online stores aim to sell goods or services. The goal is to provide a convenient and secure means of purchasing products.
Corporate Website
Company websites are designed to present the business and facilitate communication with clients. The goal is brand strengthening, attracting new customers, and simplifying communication.
Social Network
Sites of this type facilitate user interaction. The goal is to provide a platform for information exchange and communication.
Defining the website's purpose helps in determining the target audience, functionality, design, and other aspects of development. It is essential for the purpose to be clear, specific, and measurable, as this allows for evaluating the success and alignment of the website with its intended tasks.
Formulating Specific Tasks to Be Accomplished
After defining the website's purpose, it's necessary to formulate specific tasks that need to be accomplished to achieve that purpose. This helps in detailing the project and determining how the goal can be reached.
Each goal can be broken down into a series of specific tasks, including the following aspects:
Audience Analysis
Identifying the target audience, their needs, expectations, and issues.
Functionality Development
Determining the specific functions the website should perform to meet the audience's needs.
Design and Interface
Defining the website's structure, design, color palette, and user interface to ensure user-friendliness.
Content
Specifying what content should be featured on the site, including text, images, videos, and more.
Technical Requirements
Defining technical aspects such as platform choice, security, scalability, and other technical parameters.
Budget and Timeline Planning
Determining the budget, resource allocation, and setting project completion timelines.
As a client, you may not be able to formulate technical requirements or set a work schedule. However, you can describe the functions you want for the site in your own words. You can also provide links to websites with similar functions or designs that you like. Regarding timelines, if you have a specific deadline tied to an exhibition or the release of a new collection, for example, make sure to communicate those preferences. Even if the development company can't complete the work by the specified date, they can launch the site with essential features and update it with additional planned elements later.
Starting the analysis with the goals of the site and the target audience is crucial. If you don't have well-defined marketing research on your target audience, it's advisable to conduct such research before starting the website development. Considering the unique characteristics of the target audience, developers can create a high-quality web resource tailored to your customers' preferences and needs.
Formulating Functional Requirements
Creating a comprehensive list of all the website's functionality can be challenging. However, it's recommended to make the description as detailed as possible and to spend time reviewing it multiple times. Practice shows that you will likely remember functions and features you want to include on the site as you go along. Below are key directions to consider, so you don't miss anything:
1. User Authentication and Registration:
- Provide users with the ability to log in and register for access to specific site functions.
- Define mandatory fields for registration and chosen methods of authentication, such as email, social media, and others.
2. User Profile Management:
- Allow users to change personal information and passwords.
- Assign levels of access and permissions for administrators and regular users.
3. Search and Filtering:
- Implement search and filtering functionality for quick access to information on the site.
- Specify filtering parameters that enable users to precisely define what they are looking for.
4. Content Display:
- Determine how text, images, and videos should be displayed on the site.
- Support various types of content, such as articles, news, products, etc.
5. Commenting and Reviews System:
- Enable users to comment, review, and rate content on the site.
- Define moderation rules and comment management.
6. Interactivity and Feedback:
- Provide users with the ability to interact with the site through feedback forms, chats, or other means.
- Specify mechanisms for collecting and processing feedback.
7. Checkout and Payment (if applicable):
- Develop a checkout and payment system for products or services on the site.
- Define payment methods and order processing.
8. Administrative Panel:
- Create an interface for site administrators to manage content, users, and other aspects.
- Define access rights to the administrative panel.
9. Languages and Localization (if needed):
- Support different languages and regional settings to expand the audience.
Design Requirements, Color Palette, Fonts, and Logo
When planning to commission a website, it's essential to consider how you want it to look and interact with your audience. In this section, we'll discuss design and interface requirements for your future site.
Website Design
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Consider the overall look you want for your website. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist design, or perhaps you like a more traditional style?
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Make a list of graphic elements you wish to use, such as photos, illustrations, etc. This will help you avoid situations where you lack the necessary photo in the required proportions when adding content.
Color Palette
Logo
Remember that the design and navigation of your website can significantly impact users' impressions and their ability to find the information they need. Setting clear design and interface requirements will help make your site attractive and user-friendly for visitors.
Prepare Content for Your Future Website
Before diving into the development of your dream website, it's essential to prepare the content you plan to showcase on it. This includes text, images, videos, and other materials that will convey your information to your audience. Content preparation is a crucial step that will influence the look and functionality of your website.
Here are some tips for content preparation:
1. Define Key Messages
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Before you start writing or creating content, determine the key messages you want to convey to your audience. These messages should be clear, concise, and directed at achieving your goals.
2. Text Content
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Develop textual content for your website, including articles, product or service descriptions, "About Us," and other sections.
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Ensure clarity and ease of reading in your text. Use short paragraphs, headings, lists, and other structural elements.
3. Images and Videos
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Prepare graphic content, including images and videos that will showcase your products, services, or illustrate your messages.
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Ensure high-quality images and videos optimized for the web.
4. SEO Optimization
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Consider optimizing your content for search engines (SEO). Use keywords, meta tags, tags, and other methods to make your site easier to find in searches.
5. Copyright
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Make sure that all the content you plan to use on your site doesn't infringe on copyright. If you're using images, text, or other materials from other authors, obtain permission to use them.
6. Fresh Materials
Development of a Technical Specification at COI.UA
If you are facing difficulties in writing a technical specification for your future website, don't worry — you always have the option to get professional help. Our web studio is ready to provide you with full support and consultations for the development of a technical specification for your website.
Our team of experts in web development is ready to assist you in creating a detailed technical specification that meets your needs and requirements. We will develop a structured document for you, including all the necessary details and requirements for the successful development of your website.
You can be assured that you will receive an individualized approach that takes into account all of your preferences. Furthermore, after preparing the technical specification, you can also turn to us for website development and order a website that incorporates all the specified requirements.
So, don't waste any time — reach out to COI.UA, and we will be delighted to help you bring your ideas and dreams to life!
