The terms of reference for the development of the website becomes the first and one of the most important stages in the creation and launch of any modern web project. On the competence of its preparation depends on the course and quality of work, as well as their consistency with the customer.

The higher quality will be drafted terms of reference, the faster and easier to carry out all stages and work on the launch and approval of the site. That's why the importance of this document should not be underestimated.

To time spent on the preparation of the job was not spent in vain, you need to start with its definition. The meaning of the terms of reference and its specifics should be understood not only by specialists working on the web resource, but also by its курсы бизнес аналитика. Therefore, it is recommended to start with the concept of the terms of reference and consider all its features. And then figure out what should be included in it, and how to write it correctly.

This article will be interesting to all professionals who are engaged in web development (designers, coders, developers, designers), project managers, heads of digital agencies and business owners who are turning to web studios.

What is a terms of reference?

As promised, we start with the definition. Terms of reference - is one or more documents in which the requirements for a web resource are specified and its purpose is outlined. In addition, it contains the structure and methods for the development of the resource.

All of these and other paragraphs of the terms of reference should be spelled out very clearly and clearly, so that all participants could without unnecessary questions to understand how the whole process takes place. The speed of launching a project, its quality and success in the future all depend on correctly drafted terms of reference.

The main task of the ToR is the complete coordination of all types and stages of work between the customer and performers. Subsequently, the benefits of the terms of reference will be tangible for both parties.

Here are examples. With the help of ToR, the performer can:

Understand what the client needs. This involves building a feedback loop with the customer and all the responses received from him are recorded in the document.

Clearly define a list of requirements, the client's wishes and a list of work. In the course of development, the customer will not be able to radically change the project. All this is agreed and signed by both parties at the initial stages of the document.

Prove competence. Competently and clearly drafted terms of reference will show clients your professional level. This document will relieve the client company of any doubts about working with you.

Accelerate development. The TK includes a prescribed structure of the future site and all the elements. It remains only their implementation according to a prepared plan of action.

For the client benefits of the document is also undeniable. With his help, he can:

Know what he pays for and what he gets in the end. The structure of the resource will be prescribed at the preliminary stage. At this time, the customer can make changes and understand and see on the layout, what will be his site.

To be sure of the competence of the agency. Drawing up terms of reference in CASTCOM is done with participation of all team, which will work with the site. This allows us to write all the stages clearly and understandably for the customer and provide him with all the necessary comments from the specialists.

Protect yourself from low-quality services. All types of services and guarantees of their performance are prescribed in the document and signed by both parties.

Who makes up

Terms of Reference for the development of the site - a task for professionals such as a business analyst, developer and project manager. It is they who can describe in detail and competently the entire course of work.

To entrust the terms of reference and its preparation can even be a client, but in this case it is unlikely to perform its functions. However, the participation of the customer in the preparation of the terms of reference is welcome and consists of the following:

Familiarization of specialists with the company and the business;

Setting tasks to be performed by the website;

Telling about their wishes regarding the design or functionality of the resource;

Demonstration of examples of favorite sites;

Providing all the necessary information for the performer.

Establish a good feedback loop between the client and the agency to create a web resource that will meet all of the customer's business needs.

Write unambiguously and accurately

For the client and executors to understand each other and the specifics of the project well, writing the terms of reference for website development should be clear and simple. Otherwise, the parties may not reach an agreement.

Do not use in the TK subjective adjectives "beautiful", "modern", etc. Avoid such general phrases as "the site should like the customer" or "placement of expert content only". Instead of such general and unsupported statements, add fact-proven information or figures.

All inaccurate and unproven in practice statements should be removed from the terms of reference or reworded. For example, instead of the phrase "heavy loads" use the specifics "up to 70 thousand visitors at a time".