The Product Requirements Document (PRD) is a key artifact in product development that outlines the vision, goals, features, and requirements of a product. It serves as a communication tool to align stakeholders—such as developers, designers, and marketers—on the product's purpose and specifications. Given its importance, the question of who writes a PRD and what skills are needed is critical.
Typically, the product manager is the one who writes the PRD. Product managers are responsible for defining the product strategy, prioritizing features, and ensuring that the product meets both business objectives and user needs. They act as the central point of contact, gathering input from various teams and translating it into a cohesive document.
However, in some cases—especially in smaller organizations or startups—other roles may take on this responsibility. For example:
- A founder might write the PRD if they have a strong vision for the product.
- A lead designer or business analyst could step in, depending on the company structure.
Regardless of the specific title, the person writing the PRD must possess the expertise to define and communicate the product's requirements effectively.
Writing a PRD is not just about documenting specifications; it involves understanding the problem space, defining a solution, and ensuring clarity for all stakeholders. The following skills are essential for anyone tasked with this role:
- Product Knowledge: A deep understanding of the product's purpose, features, and how it fits into the market.
- User Empathy: The ability to identify and represent the needs, pain points, and behaviors of the target users.
- Business Acumen: Insight into the business goals and how the product contributes to achieving them.
- Communication Skills: The capacity to clearly articulate requirements, priorities, and rationale to diverse audiences, from technical teams to executives.
- Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing data, market trends, and user feedback to make informed decisions about product features and requirements.
- Technical Understanding: While not always mandatory, a basic grasp of the technology stack can help in crafting realistic and feasible requirements.
- Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams—such as engineering, design, and marketing—to gather input and ensure alignment.
In most cases, the product manager writes the PRD, though other roles with similar responsibilities may take on this task depending on the organization. The critical factor is not the job title but the possession of the necessary skills: product knowledge, user empathy, business acumen, communication, analytical abilities, technical understanding, and collaboration.
These competencies enable the writer to bridge the gap between user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility, resulting in a PRD that is clear, actionable, and aligned with the product vision.