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SaaS MVP Requirements: How to Write a Clear and Effective Doc
A clear requirements document improves build speed, avoids miscommunication, and reduces rework. When startups hand over vague specs to developers, timelines stretch and features break. This guide explains how to create a concise, actionable SaaS MVP requirements document that sets your project up for success. For a complete overview of timelines, costs, and the development process, refer to our SaaS MVP Development Guide.
Why You Need a SaaS MVP Requirements Document
Without a shared understanding of what to build, even experienced developers will guess. The result: delays, mismatched expectations, and scope creep.
A good MVP requirements doc:
- Aligns founders, designers, and developers
- Defines the problem and core solution
- Prioritizes features clearly
- Prevents unplanned changes during sprints
This isn’t about formal specs—it’s about clarity.
1. Define the One-Liner and Job-to-Be-Done
Start with a one-line description of your product:
“A tool that helps remote teams organize daily standups asynchronously.”
Then clarify the Job to Be Done (JTBD):
“When users want to run async updates, they can use our app to record short standups, so teams stay aligned without meetings.”
This gives context for every feature.
2. List the Core User Flows
Don’t describe features yet. Describe what users need to do:
Examples:
- Sign up using Google login
- Create a project and invite collaborators
- Add tasks and assign them
- Comment on a task
- View a shared dashboard
Write 5–10 core flows max. Each flow should match a use case.
3. Prioritize Features with MoSCoW Framework
Apply the MoSCoW method:
- Must Have: Core flows, auth, key dashboard
- Should Have: Commenting, basic notifications
- Could Have: Integrations, dark mode
- Won’t Have (now): Mobile app, AI suggestions
This helps developers scope the build and ignore distractions.
4. Include UX References or Wireframes
You don’t need perfect designs. But visual clarity helps:
- Include sketches or wireframes
- Add sample layout references from similar apps
- Mark critical vs nice-to-have components
Tools: Figma, Whimsical, Balsamiq, or even hand-drawn screens.
5. Specify Tech Preferences (If Any)
To accelerate delivery, we often recommend starting with a SaaS MVP boilerplate built for lean startup use cases.
If you have a preferred stack:
- Frontend: React, Vue, or no preference
- Backend: Supabase, Firebase, or Node.js
- Auth: Clerk, Auth0, or email/password
- DB: PostgreSQL, Firestore, etc.
No need to overdefine—just share known constraints or decisions.
6. Identify 3–5 Key Success Metrics
Examples:
- 50% of signups complete onboarding
- Users create at least one project within 24 hours
- Users return within 7 days
These help developers understand what “done” really means.
7. Timeline and Budget Guidelines
Be transparent. This allows the dev team to scope better.
- Target MVP launch in 4–6 weeks
- Budget range: $7,000–$12,000
- Dev cycles: 2-week sprints + weekly demos
Add flexibility, but be specific enough to manage expectations.
8. Communication Protocols
State how and when communication will happen:
- Weekly review calls (Zoom, Meets)
- Async updates on Slack or Trello
- Feedback cutoff every Friday before sprint planning
This prevents project drift.
What Not to Include
Avoid bloating the doc with:
- Full design system specs
- Legal terms or NDAs (handle separately)
- Future roadmap ideas
Keep it MVP-focused.
Requirements Document Template Summary
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| One-liner + JTBD | Aligns everyone on the problem |
| User flows | Defines what users can do |
| Feature priorities | Focuses the build |
| Wireframes or mockups | Prevents UI confusion |
| Tech preferences | Clarifies stack or platform expectations |
| Success metrics | Measures value delivered |
| Timeline & budget | Sets boundaries |
| Communication protocols | Keeps collaboration smooth |
Work with BytesBrothers
We help SaaS founders scope and build lean MVPs with clear specs, structured sprints, and working software in 4–6 weeks. Don’t risk rework or confusion—start with a solid plan.