Why Is It Necessary to Write a Technical Specification for Website Development?

Many novice entrepreneurs, and even some experienced business owners, think that writing a technical specification (TS) is a waste of time. It may seem easier to move directly to design or development and discuss the details “on the go.” However, experience shows the opposite: the absence of a clear TS leads to missed deadlines, unnecessary revisions, additional expenses, and conflicts between the client and the developer. A well-prepared technical specification is not bureaucracy—it is a real tool that saves time, money, and nerves for both parties.

What Should a Technical Specification Include?

A properly drafted TS is like a “roadmap” for the project. It outlines the key points that will form the foundation for successful development. The main sections that must be included are:

• Project Objective. Clearly define why the website is being created. This could be attracting clients, online sales, information dissemination, or brand image building. The objective determines the approach to design, functionality, and structure of the project.
• Project Description. Provide a detailed description of the project: the problems the site solves, the target audience, and competitive advantages to highlight. For an online store, it is important to emphasize product filtering and fast checkout, while for a corporate site, the focus might be on company image and service presentation.
• Technical Details. The most comprehensive section. Describe functionality in detail—from menu structure to the operation of every button and contact form. Include a sitemap, block layouts, and integrations (CRM, payment systems, forms, messaging apps). The more detailed the description, the fewer misunderstandings will arise during development.
• Website Prototype. Visual representation of future pages. Even simple wireframes in Figma, Photoshop, or specialized programs help to see element placement instead of interpreting text. Prototypes reduce revisions and speed up development.

Risks of Working Without a Technical Specification

Starting a project without a TS usually leads to chaos. The typical scenario: the client verbally explains they need a “simple website,” the developer begins work, and a week later it turns out the client meant something completely different. Consequences include:

• Repeated redesigns of pages and layouts.
• Changes in block placement requiring code and design adjustments.
• “Scope creep”: the client adds new ideas, and the developer spends more time without extra pay.
• Conflicts: the client sees changes as minor, while the developer perceives them as a new volume of work.

Such situations can delay the project for months, exceed the budget, and damage the client-developer relationship. Sometimes it even leads to a complete termination of cooperation.

Benefits of a Technical Specification

A TS protects both the client and the developer. Key benefits include:

• Time Savings. All details are documented, eliminating repeated discussions. The developer works according to the plan, and the client monitors progress.
• Budget Control. Clear boundaries prevent project inflation. The client understands the cost and scope of work upfront.
• Transparency. All parties understand what is included in the work and what requires additional payment.
• Legal Basis. The TS can serve as an annex to the contract and a reference in case of disputes.
• Higher Quality. When the developer understands tasks and goals, the site turns out more professional and polished.

How to Properly Create a Technical Specification

Writing a TS is a collaborative process between the client and the developer. Main steps:

1. Information Gathering. Define objectives, tasks, audience, and references.
2. Structuring. Create a sitemap: homepage, sections, product pages, blog, contacts.
3. Functionality. Specify integrations, forms, filters, and admin panel requirements.
4. Prototype. Visual representation of pages.
5. Set Deadlines and Budget. Each requirement affects cost and time, which should be reflected from the start.

It is important to write the TS in simple language so that both the developer and the client understand it. An overly abstract description renders the document meaningless.

Practical Examples

For example, a client ordered an online store without a TS. Later, it became clear that they wanted filtering by color, size, and availability. The developer had to redesign the catalog and shopping cart, doubling development time. If these requirements were documented upfront, the store would have launched on schedule.

Another example: a corporate website without a TS. The client repeatedly changed the homepage layout. Each change added hours of extra work for the designer and developer, increasing the final cost by 30%.

Can You Delegate TS Writing to Specialists?

Yes, and in most cases, it is the right decision. A specialist familiar with web development will account for technical nuances that the client may not know, such as CRM integration, online payment setup, and SEO-friendly structure. The result is a clear document that any developer can follow without unnecessary questions.

Conclusion

A well-written technical specification is the key to a successful project. It helps:

• Save time and money;
• Avoid conflicts;
• Get a website that meets expectations;
• Launch the project on time and without unnecessary stress.

Therefore, never skimp on creating a TS. If you are unsure you can write it yourself, it is better to entrust the task to specialists. This approach ensures clarity, speeds up development, and delivers results that will satisfy both you and your clients.