eCommerce Know-How

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Straight Talk

April 20, 2010

Straight Talk on eCommerce Requirements

Tell me what you want. What you really, really want.


Full Article: Click here to view printable PDF version

  Tell me what you want.   What you really, really want.

You've laid the groundwork, figured out key objectives and business drivers, assessed your current technology and environment, and decided that you need a new eCommerce platform. Now it's time to define your requirements, but this is trickier, more difficult, and much more work than it might seem - and there's a lot riding on it.

Here are 10 "due diligence" steps for successful requirements. These are not tips or hints; these are mandatory!

  1. Define your business objectives and align all stakeholders.
  2. Identify relevant best practices, using as many quantifiable proof points as possible.
  3. Perform competitive analysis against your direct and indirect competitors.
  4. Define detailed functional requirements; include every feature and capability needed.
  5. Prioritize and time phase every 'must-have' vs 'should-have' requirement.
  6. Document "Use Cases" or customer journeys to clarify requirements.
  7. Diagram workflows for all navigation and page elements.
  8. Apply creative design after all of the above and follow common usability principles
  9. Test and adjust requirements... again and again
  10. Keep requirements updated even after implementation... always

More Requirements Diligence know-how

More on How to Choose an eCommerce Platform

Bottom Line: 'Measure twice. Cut once'.  Every minute you put into doing your due diligence will more than pay for itself -- in time, money and results.



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