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Phase 4
Writing Great PRDs (Product Requirement Documents)
A Product Requirement Document (PRD) is a single source of truth that outlines what a product will do, why it matters, and how success will be measured. Unlike market requirements documents (MRDs), which define the opportunity, or functional specs, which define the how, PRDs focus on the what and why. They capture features, user needs, success criteria, and risks in a way that aligns cross-functional teams and minimizes ambiguity. This module explains why PRDs matter, their core components, how they adapt in Agile environments, and best practices for writing lean yet effective requirements.
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
Documenting 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.