The Product Requirement Document (PRD) for the Saloon

A Product Requirement Document (PRD) is the backbone of any successful project. It clearly outlines the goals, scope, features, and requirements of a product, ensuring that everyone involved in its creation is aligned. Let’s break down how to create a PRD using the salon website example shared earlier.

1: Define the Objective

The first step in crafting a PRD is to answer one essential question: What are we building and why?

Example:

Objective for the Salon Website:
To build a simple HTML website for the salon to showcase services, hairstyles, contact details, and an appointment booking feature. This website serves as a virtual brochure for online customers.

2: Define the Scope

The scope sets boundaries for the project, identifying what will and won’t be included in the initial version.

Example:

Scope of the Salon Website:

• Included:

  • Categories for male and female hairstyles.

  • Hairstyle images with descriptions and prices.

  • Contact information and an address.

  • A button for appointment booking (no form integration).

• Excluded:

  • Appointment booking forms or scheduling tools.

  • Advanced functionalities like user feedback or SEO optimization.

3: Outline Features and Requirements

This is the core of your PRD, where you list what the product will do. Prioritize features into phases to streamline development.

Example:

Phase 1 (P1): Foundational Features

1. Male and female hairstyle categories.

2. Hairstyle images with descriptions and prices.

3. An appointment booking button.

4. Contact details and address.

Phase 2 (P2): Enhancements

1. Make the appointment button actionable.

2. Improve UI design with a sleek black and gold theme.

4: Write User Stories and Use Cases

User stories focus on the user's perspective, while use cases show how they interact with the product.

Example:

User Stories:

1. As a customer, I want to browse hairstyles and services to explore options before visiting the salon.

2. As a customer, I want a quick way to book appointments for convenience.

3. As a customer, I want access to the salon’s contact details and location.

Use Cases:

• Browsing categories for male and female hairstyles.

• Viewing hairstyle details (images, descriptions, and prices).

• Clicking an appointment button to plan a visit.

• Finding contact details and directions to the salon.

5: Specify Technical Requirements

List the technologies and tools required to build the product.

Example:

Technical Requirements:

• Use HTML for creating the website.

• Ensure compatibility with major browsers.

6: Define Design Requirements

The design section ensures the product looks and feels the way users expect.

Example:

Design Requirements:

• Aesthetic black and gold theme for a luxurious look.

• Intuitive and responsive layout for easy navigation.

7: Establish a Timeline

Set clear milestones for each phase of the project to keep the development process on track.

Example:

Timeline:

• Week 1: Build the skeleton structure and add hairstyle categories.

• Week 2: Populate the website with images, details, and an appointment button.

• Week 3: Refine the design and conduct testing.

Conclusion

The PRD is more than just a document; it’s a guide that ensures everyone involved in the project is aligned. By clearly defining the objective, scope, features, and requirements, you create a solid foundation for building a successful product. Using the salon website example, we’ve demonstrated how to craft a comprehensive PRD that paves the way for a well-organized and efficient development process.

With these steps, you can create a PRD for any project, ensuring clarity and direction from start to finish.