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Recognizing what specs add next

Product specifications describe how a product will be designed and built to meet the requirements already defined. They provide a clear blueprint for development, outlining materials, components, performance targets, and system behavior. While requirements state what the product should achieve, specifications explain how it will achieve it.

Specifications are usually written in technical language, targeting engineers, developers, and QA teams. They define measurable parameters such as response time, security standards, and compatibility needs. For example, a specification might require AES-256 encryption or a maximum response delay of 300 milliseconds. Because they serve as the reference for implementation, specifications must be detailed and stable once approved. They ensure that every technical choice supports the product’s purpose and quality standards.

Pro Tip: Treat specifications as the technical truth of a product. They turn goals into measurable and testable design rules.

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