10 steps to create technical specifications for an online store

Have you ever wondered how to create the perfect online store project of your dreams? Look no further, because in this article I will show you all the intricacies of creating an effective technical specification for your online store. From key elements to top recommendations, get ready to dive deep into the world of e-commerce. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to discover the secrets to creating a winning white paper for your online business.

Glossary

• Technical specification (TOR): A document that defines the functional, design and technical requirements for the development of an online store.
• Customer: A person or organization ordering the development of an online store and responsible for drawing up the technical specifications.
• Contractor: The person or organization developing the online store. May also participate in the preparation of technical specifications.
• Principles for developing technical specifications: Basic principles that should be followed when drawing up technical specifications, such as clarity and specificity of terminology, informing the developer about the global goals of the project and detailing scenarios.
• Copying ideas from competitors: One of the ways to determine the requirements for an online store by studying and analyzing the functionality and design of successful competing online stores.
• Clarification of technical requirements: The process of additional discussion and clarification of technical requirements with the contractor after drawing up the initial technical specifications.
• Scenario Details: A complete description of various scenarios for using an online store, including user interaction with the site, ordering, payment and delivery.
• Formation of requirements for checking a store: Determining criteria and procedures for checking an online store before its launch to ensure that all the requirements described in the technical specifications , were completed.
• Structure of the technical specifications of the online store: A method of organizing and presenting information in the technical specifications, which allows you to conveniently describe all the requirements for functionality, design and technical aspects of the Internet store.
• Summary: The final part of the statement of work, which contains general information about the project, its goals and features for ease of familiarization with the document.

I hope this glossary will help you better understand the terms of reference for an online store and more easily navigate the text of the article.

Creating an effective technical specification for an online store: key steps and recommendations

In this section I will share with you your experience and knowledge on how to correctly create technical specifications (TOR) for the development of your online store. The technical specification is an integral part of the process of creating an online store, since it defines the customer's requirements and guidelines for developers.

I can confidently say that preparing the most detailed and accurate technical specifications contributes to a smoother and more successful Internet development -store.

Steps to create technical specifications:

1. Analysis of customer requirements: Before drawing up technical specifications, you must carefully analyze your requirements for an online store. It is important to understand the main business goals, target audience, and features of the goods or services offered in the store.

2. Defining functionality: The next step is to determine the functionality of the online store. This includes issues such as adding and paying for goods, order and warehouse management, user options (personal account, reviews, ratings, etc.), as well as other additional functions.

3. Development of the site structure: Once the functionality is determined, the next step is to develop the structure of the online store. It is necessary to describe the main sections, subsections and their relationships. Each section should be logically structured and convenient for users to use.

4. Description of design and user interface: An important step in creating the technical specifications is the description of the design and user interface. You need to present the overall style, color scheme, arrangement of elements on the pages for ease of navigation and better user experience.

5. Setting Performance Requirements: The speed and performance of an online store plays an important role in its success. The terms of reference should indicate the requirements for page loading speed, processing user requests and overall site performance.

6. Testing and quality control: Don't forget about testing and quality control during the online store development process. In the technical specification, you can specify the stages of testing, requirements for code quality and functionality.

Recommendations for drawing up technical specifications:

1. Be as detailed as possible: Than The more detailed your requirements are, the less likely there are misunderstandings and problems during development. Provide specific user actions, expected results, and other details.

2. Use clear and understandable language: Avoid technical specificity in the SOW if it is intended for performers who may not be familiar with technical terms. Write clearly and clearly so that the performer fully understands the ideas and requirements expressed.

3. Consider the budget and timing: The terms of reference should indicate acceptable time and budget limits. This will help set expectations and agree on deliverables with the contractor and developers.

4. Provide the opportunity for commenting and editing: Working on technical specifications is an iterative process. Provide the opportunity for the performer and developers to make comments, suggestions and changes. This will help improve the final result.
   
   

I encourage you to carefully review and consider these key points when creating technical specifications for your online store. I am sure that a correctly compiled technical specification will help you create a successful and professional online store.

Please note the table below, which gives an overview of best practices for creating SOW:

I hope that my experience and recommendations will help you create effective technical specifications for your online store. Use these tips and steps to achieve success in your project.

I highly recommend applying these tips and steps to your practical experience. They will help you create a successful online store that meets all the requirements of your business and customers.

How to correctly draw up technical specifications for an online store: my experience and recommendations

An important stage in the development of an online store is the preparation of technical specifications (TOR). In this chapter, I will share my experience and knowledge on creating an effective technical specification that will help you successfully implement your online store.

If the technical specifications are prepared by the customer

This is an ideal option for both parties, but only if the technical specifications are created correctly. You must structure your requests and format them in text and graphic form. The advantages of drawing up technical specifications for an online store are:

• Saving time and resources based on exact requirements.
• Improve your understanding and involvement in the development process.
• Ability to control and adjust the project at all stages.

However, when drawing up the technical specifications, you may need to clarify the details of the project through an interview. It is important to understand that you must clearly understand how you see the interface design, what resource traffic is predicted, what sections and payment methods are planned to be implemented.

If the technical specification is drawn up by the performer

It should be noted here that the performer can only write a document with terms of reference, but you must provide the basic requirements. Only the client knows all the features of his business and preferences. The developer draws up the technical specifications from general to specific, periodically coordinating the requirements with you through an interview. Thus, a document is obtained that satisfies the customer and which the developers can actually implement.

Universal tips for drawing up technical specifications for an online store

In addition to choosing between the customer and the contractor, there are several general recommendations that will help you create an effective technical specification:

1. Define the goals and requirements of your online store. What products or services will you offer? What features and functionality should a website have? Clarify all key points and details so that there are no misunderstandings during the development process.

2. Structure the technical specifications. Divide it into main blocks such as design, functionality, integrations, etc. In each block, describe in detail the requirements and expectations.

3. Be precise and specific. Use clear language and avoid ambiguity. The more accurate your specification is, the easier it will be for the contractor to understand and implement it.

4. Specify deadlines and budget. Determine when you expect to receive the finished project and how much you are willing to pay for its development.

5. Add examples and references. If you have preferences in interface design or good examples of sites that you like, indicate this in the terms of reference. This will help the contractor understand your vision for the project.

6. Preview and review. After writing the technical specification, go through each item and check that it meets your requirements. Ask colleagues or friends to look at the statement of work and give their feedback.

7. Collaboration and communication. Continuous collaboration and open communication with the developer will help clarify requirements and make changes if necessary. It is important to keep in touch and track the progress of the project.

Drawing up technical specifications for an online store is an important step towards its successful implementation. Remember that a clear and detailed technical specification will reduce possible errors and misunderstandings, and will also provide you and the contractor with an understanding of the overall goals of the project.

I hope these tips and tricks help you successfully create technical specifications for your online store. From my experience, I am sure that the correct preparation of technical specifications has a positive effect on the entire development process and allows you to create a high-quality and successful online store.

What is the benefit of drawing up technical specifications for an online store?

In the process of developing an online store, creating technical specifications (TOR) is an important and integral step for achieving success and saving time and resources. Regardless of whether you are a customer or an online store developer, drawing up technical specifications allows you to obtain a number of benefits and advantages.

Benefits for the customer

1. Understanding what the money will be paid for. In the technical specification you can see the specific design solutions and functionality that you are purchasing. This allows you to clearly communicate your work results and set expectations.

2. Assessment of the performer's competence. From the literacy, logic and proposed solutions set out in the technical specifications, we can conclude whether it is worth continuing cooperation with this development company. Drawing up technical specifications helps you get a more complete picture of the developer’s competencies.

3. Legal protection from unscrupulous performers. Having a technical specification that properly describes the details and functions of the project protects you from incorrect implementation and incomplete fulfillment of obligations on the part of the developer. A TOR is a legal document that can be used as evidence in the event of conflicts.

4. Reinsurance against breaking the relationship with the performer. If the customer decides to terminate the contract with the developer for any objective reasons, the presence of the technical specifications provides the opportunity to continue working with another developer, using a ready-made part of the site that corresponds to the technical specifications.

5. Estimation of the actual cost of development. Sometimes even small features you need can mean significant additional costs. Creating technical specifications for the development of an online store helps to identify such nuances, and also makes it possible to more accurately estimate the cost of the project.

Developer Benefits

1. Understanding Requirements customer. For the developer, the technical specification provides a clearer understanding of the customer's needs and expectations. This helps you focus on the key tasks and goals of the project.

2. Development with a centralized focus. With a technical specification, the developer has clear instructions on what he should focus on during the work process and what needs to be achieved. This helps avoid annoying variance in the design and development of an online store.

3. More specific and accurate assessment of tasks. With a technical specification, the developer can better understand the scope of work that needs to be performed and assess its feasibility. This allows you to more accurately determine the timing and cost of the project.

4. Improving communication with the customer. The SOW creates a basis for communication between the developer and you, making it easier to understand and share important information about the project. This helps avoid misunderstandings and clarify requirements while working on the project.

As a result, drawing up technical specifications for developing an online store has significant advantages for both you and the developer. This allows you to set expectations, avoid misunderstandings and reduce risks during the project development process.

Section 1: Specification and clarity of terminology

When writing technical specifications (TOR) for an online store, one of the key points is the use of specific and precise terms. Avoid ambiguous terminology, abstract and relative concepts.

An example of an incorrectly worded requirement: "Create a beautiful big button with the inscription 'BUY'."

This formulation is not clear-cut, since the terms “beautiful” and “big” have different meanings for different people. To avoid ambiguity, it is better to use specific characteristics, such as button dimensions in pixels or percentage of screen width.

An example of the correct wording of a requirement: “Create a button measuring 200 pixels wide and 50 pixels high with the inscription 'BUY'.”

A competent designer must clarify the details of each element to ensure they meet the customer's requirements. It is important to provide the developer with detailed characteristics of each element in the technical specification in order to avoid ambiguities and repeated code rework.

In addition, at the stage of drawing up the technical specifications, difficulties may arise in determining the requirements on the part of the customer. Sometimes entrepreneurs ordering a website for the first time may express impossible or mutually exclusive requirements. It is important to uncover these ideas and work through them with the performer to minimize conflicts and potential rework.

Section 2: Informing the developer about the goals of the project

For faster and more efficient development of an online store, it is recommended to provide the developer with detailed information about the business, trade niche, target audience and plans for the development of the project. This will help adapt the design and functionality of the site to the goals of the project.

For example, if your target audience is young people, then special attention should be paid to the visual style so that it matches the latest fashionable interface trends. Tell the developer about the characteristics of your audience so that he can better adapt the site to their needs.

It is also important to disclose your ideas regarding the further development of the online store. This will help you choose the optimal platform and lay the foundation for scaling your store in the future.

Section 3: Ideal inspiration from competitors

Sometimes, in order to clearly demonstrate the desired feature of a site, it is better to simply show an example of an already implemented solution from competitors. There is no point in mentioning the size and shape of a certain element in the technical specification if a similar function already exists in someone else.

Examples of website layouts can be found on foreign resources and used as inspiration for your project. Likewise, documentation and specific features already implemented by competitors can help reduce development time and streamline development.

At the same time, it is important not to simply copy samples, but to use their ideas and develop them to suit the goals of your project. Remember that the uniqueness and individuality of your online store are key factors in attracting customers.

Section 4: Clarification of technical requirements

At the stage of drawing up the technical specifications, it is necessary to take into account all technical issues and requirements. If you have specific wishes, for example, integration with delivery services or payment systems, then it is better to choose a platform that already has the necessary modules for integration.

It is also important to consider the needs of your online store in terms of the number of products, server requirements, support for various screen formats and other technical aspects. Remember that developers need to understand what tools are available to meet your requirements.

Section 5: Detailing scenarios

In the technical specification it is worth describing as many functions of the site as possible using behavioral scenarios. This will help developers better understand the logic and sequence of user actions.

Example of a general script description template:

• User action: clicked on the "Add to cart" button.
• Response event on the site: product added to cart.

Scenarios will help the customer and developers clearly imagine how each function of the online store should work. They are the basis for implementing requirements and help avoid misunderstandings and unexpected errors.

Section 6: Formation of verification requirements

When drawing up technical specifications, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the target audience and their habits. Indicate in the terms of reference which devices and software you need to test the site on.

To further check the functionality of the site on various devices of the target audience, you can use a list of devices, software and other necessary information for reviewers.

High-quality testing will help identify minor errors and improve the quality of the site for the target audience. Please note that no store is absolutely perfect, but testing will help minimize the negative impact of possible errors on your users.

Section 7: Moving from General to Specific Requirements

When presenting requirements, you are advised to start with a general description of the concept of creating an online store, and then move on to specific details .

For example, you can first talk about the planned color scheme, then start discussing the structure of the site, and only then start discussing design elements.

Focus on fundamental issues, such as the overall appearance and functionality of the site. Small elements can always be corrected after the main aspects of the project have been agreed upon.

Summary

All these key points will help you create an effective technical specification for developing an online store. Specifying terminology, informing the developer about the global goals of the project, using ideas from competitors, clarifying technical requirements, detailing scenarios, creating verification requirements and moving from general requirements to specific ones - all these steps will help you create a successful technical specification for developing an online store.

Regardless of your experience, we hope this information is useful and helps you create a successful and efficient online store.

Structure of technical specifications for an online store

When I was developing technical specifications for an online store, I was faced with the fact that there is no universal template that is suitable for all projects. The level of detail of requirements can vary rapidly depending on wishes. However, I want to offer you a technical specification structure for a small online store with 500-1000 products, which is a good example.

1. General information

Here you need to provide a brief description of the product niche and target audience of your online store, as well as define the goals of your project.

2. Supported languages

Provide a list of languages that should be supported on your site.

3. General visual design and sections of the site

Tell us about the visual design of your site, including sections and subsections. Provide a list of the main sections, such as “About Us”, “Delivery and Payment”, “Contacts”, “New Products” and “News”, and also provide their description. Don't forget to provide a model of your site's structure.

4. Site menu

Describe the elements of the main and side menus, as well as submenus, if any.

5. Description of the header, content area and footer of the site

Reveal details about the header, content area and footer on your site, as well as the blocks that make them up. Attach design layouts with the names and contents of the blocks for clarity.

6. Functional Page Prototypes

Develop functional prototypes of your online store pages to better understand the appearance and interaction of elements.

7. Structure and description of the product card

Describe the structure and features of the product card. Pay attention to important details such as images, descriptions, prices, product features and add to cart options.

8. Category filters

Specify the filters that will be applied to facilitate the search for products in various categories.

9. The process of adding products to the cart and placing an order

Describe the mechanism for adding products to cart and subsequent checkout. Please indicate available payment and delivery methods.

10. List of functionality and description of behavioral scenarios

List all the functionality of your online store with a description of its behavioral implementation scenarios. For example, you can describe the user registration process, the discount system, integration with external databases and other aspects.

11. Technical parameters and requirements

Specify the technical parameters of the software, hosting and operating environment of the online store. Don't forget to indicate the CMS you are using, for example, ELBUZ.

12. Conditions for testing the finished product

Define the conditions and criteria for testing the finished online store to make sure it works.

I also want to offer you another example of the structure of a technical specification, which may be useful when developing your project.

As for my experience, I have successfully developed and implemented several online stores. As I worked on each project, I tried to create a technical specification that was complete and detailed to avoid misunderstandings and improve the development process. I am sure that the presented structure of the technical specifications will help you successfully create your online store.

💡 Tip: If you want to know what the optimal size of images on an online store page might be, check out this article.

How I created technical specifications for an online store

The desire to open an online store or expand an existing business requires an entrepreneur not only to determine the maximum budget, but also to develop technical specifications for creating a successful online store. In this section, I will share my experience and talk about the key points and recommendations when writing such an assignment.

Creating technical specifications for an online store is one of the most important and responsible tasks when developing an online platform. It is in this document that all the requirements and functionality of the store are recorded that will help realize your business idea.

Determining the maximum budget

Before you start writing technical specifications, it is important to determine the maximum budget that you are willing to allocate for the development and support of an online store. This will help you understand what features and capabilities you can implement and navigate the development market.

Once the budget has already been determined, you can create a rough site layout or take a competitor’s resource as an example. This will help you and the developers get an idea of the desired design and functionality of the store.

Detailed consideration of the task

You should start thinking about the technical task in detail only after how potential contractors will analyze your budget and confirm the feasibility of implementing the project within the available funds. Discuss all the nuances with the developer and provide a detailed description of the requirements.

Pay attention to the following aspects when writing technical specifications:

1. Determine the functionality of the store. Divide it into main blocks, such as product catalog, shopping cart, checkout, customer data management and others.
2. Describe the design and user interface requirements. Specify the desired color schemes, fonts, and UI/UX components.
3. Indicate the features of the products you will sell. For example, if you plan to sell products with variations, specify how those variations will be displayed on product pages.
4. Pay attention to integrations and additional features. If you need to integrate payment systems, a product accounting system, or other third-party services, indicate this in the task.
5. Pay attention to safety issues. The level of protection for customer data and the site as a whole should be a priority in your assignment.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to the process of interaction with the developer. Establish clear communication and regular progress reports. Take the initiative and actively get involved in the work process to be confident in the quality of the final result.

Why do you need a detailed task?

The presence of detailed technical specifications guarantees the absence of logical errors when creating a website and your legal support when working with the contractor. Therefore, it is very important to describe all requirements and functionality in detail to avoid misunderstandings and failure to meet expectations.

There is nothing worse than starting a project and then discovering that the contractor did not take into account your wishes or misunderstood the requirements. Detailed and clear technical specifications will help to avoid such situations and achieve the desired result.

Summing up

Creating technical specifications for an online store requires careful preparation and detailed thought . Determine the maximum budget, discuss the requirements with the developer and record all the nuances in the task.

Remember that the terms of reference are the key document that determines the functionality and appearance of your online store. Therefore, approach its creation responsibly and follow all the necessary recommendations.

Task overview: what is important to consider

What do you think about creating technical specifications for an online store? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Frequently asked questions on the topic "10 steps to create technical specifications for an online store"

🎉 Thank you for reading and for have become more experienced! 🎉

You have read my detailed guide to creating technical specifications for an online store. Now, thanks to this article, you have become a real professional in this field. I hope you found some valuable information and can put it into practice.

We have discussed the key points that need to be taken into account when drawing up technical specifications. You learned how to define the goals and needs of your online store, how to choose the right platform and functionality, and how to properly describe design, content, security, and performance requirements.

Together we looked at the process of developing a technical specification, from competitor analysis and market research to preparing a detailed description and quality control. I've outlined best practices and shared my own projects and tips with you.

Now that you have all this information, you're ready to take on the role of executive and create an amazing online store. Remember to use your knowledge and experience to achieve success.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the article. Share your thoughts, questions or experiences in the comments below. I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you for your attention, and good luck in creating technical specifications for your online store! 💪🛒