Spec Design Flashcards
SPEC STEPS
- Understand the Requirements
- Define the Purpose
- Outline System Behavior
- Define I/O
- Technical Details
- Performance Considerations
- Test & Validation
- Security Considerations
- Fallbacks & Contigencies
- Timeline & Milestones
- Dependencies & Risks
- Diagrams & Mockups
Understand Requirements
- Gather and document the needs of stakeholders, users, use cases and the business.
2.Clarify the problem, objectives, and constraints to make sure you’re solving the right problem. Set boundaries.
Define the Purpose
- Establish the core goal of the system. Why is it being built? What problem does it solve? This step defines the “why” behind the project and ensures alignment with business goals.
Outline System Behavior
Specify how the system will behave in various scenarios. This includes defining use cases, user interactions, and system responses to ensure all functionality is covered.
Define I/O
Document the system’s inputs and outputs, including user inputs, API calls, data flows, and expected results. This ensures clear expectations for data handling and user interaction.
Tech Details
Identify the tech stack, frameworks, libraries, databases, and APIs. This also includes system architecture, such as the use of microservices, serverless functions, or monolithic structures.
Performance Considerations
Define performance metrics such as response times, scalability, load balancing, and efficiency targets to ensure the system meets both current and future performance needs.
Test & Validation
Outline the testing strategy, including unit, integration, and end-to-end tests. Define validation methods to ensure the system functions as expected under different conditions.
Security Considerations
Identify security requirements such as encryption, authentication (OAuth, JWT), authorization, data privacy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
Fallbacks & Contingencies
Plan for failure scenarios, including error handling, data recovery, backups, and disaster recovery strategies. Define how the system will handle unexpected failures.
Timeline & Milestones
Break down the project into phases with clear milestones and delivery dates. This ensures progress tracking and alignment with business timelines.
Dependencies & Risks
List dependencies on external systems, services, or teams. Identify potential risks, such as third-party failures, resource constraints, or changes in project scope.
Diagrams & Mockups
Include visual aids like architecture diagrams, data flow diagrams, wireframes, and UI mockups. These help communicate complex systems and user flows effectively.