Neil Meads
Technical Directorneil@toilesolutions.com
What Should Be in a Web Project Spec?
26/08/2010
What Should be in a Web Project Spec?Every now and then we get sent some really bad specs here at Toile Solutions.
Being Content Management and Application specialists our work is often very complicated and coding intensive, so making sure the spec for the project is right is absolutely crucial.
Making sure the spec is 100% correct is important for both the client and us.
For the client it ensures they get exactly what they want and for us it ensures we can accurately quote for the work we are going to provide.
In the past month we have had the following gems:-
"A site that is the same as eBay, same functionality etc ..."
"It needs to connect to our back-end office system and generate some reports and data for us ..."
"... it needs to allow me to sell products, I like the way Argos' site works!"
" I want the entire process automated, so it just sends me the money ..."
All of the above, as you can see allow a huge area “open to interpretation” which a spec should not allow.
Of course, we also get the other extreme, a hugely detailed spec for a site that is very complicated where the client thinks that they have saved a huge amount of time by producing it so the site will cost peanuts to produce. Whilst we like peanuts, this is not an accurate statement!
Before starting any projects a detailed spec needs to be produced, this is something we are willing to work with clients on to ensure everything is covered. Writing a proper spec also shows you how much work will be involved in the project, and so should help you to budget for it correctly.
Neil Meads
Tags: Web Design Hertfordshire | Application Development
Keywords: Web Design, London, Project, Specification
