The difference between a Product Requirements Document (PRD) and project rules lies in their focus, content, and purpose within the product development process. Here's a clear breakdown:
- PRD: Defines what the product should be and why it's being built. It serves as a blueprint for the product, outlining its goals, features, and user needs.
- Project Rules: Define how the project will be executed. They provide guidelines for how the team collaborates and works to build the product, focusing on processes and standards.
- PRD: Includes:
- Product goals and objectives
- Target audience and user stories
- Feature specifications and requirements
- Success metrics and acceptance criteria
- Project Rules: Include:
- Methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum)
- Tools and technologies to be used
- Coding standards and design principles
- Team roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols
- PRD: Aimed at product managers, designers, and developers to ensure everyone understands what to build and aligns with user and business needs.
- Project Rules: Directed at the entire project team (developers, testers, managers) to clarify how to work together effectively and consistently.
- PRD: Product-centric, focusing on the end product and its functionality.
- Project Rules: Process-centric, emphasizing the steps, standards, and constraints for delivering the product.
- PRD: Can evolve as the product vision or requirements change, though it stays focused on the product outcome.
- Project Rules: Tend to be more rigid, especially if part of organizational standards, but can be adapted for specific projects.
- PRD: Created at the start of the product development cycle and updated as the product evolves.
- Project Rules: Established at the beginning of the project and followed throughout to ensure consistent execution.
- A PRD answers "What are we building and why?" It's about the product's vision and requirements.
- Project Rules answer "How will we build it?" They govern the team's workflow, standards, and processes.
Both are critical for successful product development: the PRD ensures the right product is built, while project rules ensure it's built the right way.