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Phase 4
Writing Great PRDs (Product Requirement Documents)
Why PRDs Matter
PRDs help teams align around goals, define scope, shape UX, facilitate collaboration, and manage risk. Without a PRD, teams risk misalignment, missed deadlines, and products that fail to meet user needs.
Key Components of a PRD
Overview & Purpose
Elevator pitch, background context, and strategic fit.
Features & Functionality
Prioritized list of features and user stories with acceptance criteria.
User Personas
Research-driven profiles representing core users.
Strategic Goals & Context
Why this release matters to the business and the market.
Release Criteria
Required functionality and performance standards for launch.
Assumptions & Constraints
Document assumptions, budget caps, tech limitations, and dependencies.
PRDs in Agile Environments
Traditional PRDs were long, formal documents. Agile favors leaner, living documents that evolve. In Agile, the PRD is less a “contract” and more a shared compass — enough detail to guide, without locking teams into rigid specs.
- Break requirements into themes, epics, and user stories.
- Use backlogs and boards instead of static text-heavy docs.
- Keep requirements flexible and update continuously.
- Use collaborative tools like Confluence, FigJam, or Miro.