Things to keep in mind while writing shopify app development project specification – CG Colors Inc.

If you think that developing a Shopify App is too difficult, be assured that it is not. Well, here are some of the project specifications that can help make your Shopify app development much easier:

1. Start by introducing yourself

Open with a short description of what your brand does.

Here are some of the key elements to include in this;

• A list of the decision-makers involved in the project. It is useful to include job titles/project roles, and email addresses.
• The project lead should be highlighted here.
• About your organization – A brief company background and history.

Including these important details about your client’s brand, decision-makers, and the context for why they want and need the project can help you get to know your client as they see themselves from a brand perspective. It helps to know exactly which stakeholders are responsible for certain deliverables, and who you should be contacted if an issue arises.

2. Give brief Shopify app requirements

Briefly describe the goals of the project. This will give developers an idea of what you are trying to achieve, which will enable them to suggest the most appropriate solutions.

Decide the App’s Purpose

If you are developing an app for your needs or your client, you must have all the answers as to why the app is being developed with all the features that it is intended to have. For apps that are being developed to be sold publicly on the Shopify App Store, some research should be done as to what the merchants need and want. Based on all the information collected, you can mention what work needs to be done on features that support the purpose of your app. Here are some of the Shopify app requirements you would want to mention;

Here are some of the Shopify app requirements you would want to mention;

• Apps for ERP integration
• Order and customer management apps
• Third-party website integration apps
• Shopify apps for marketing and retargeting
• Apps for getting outside price feeds
• Custom inventory systems integration apps
• Apps for API or third-party integration
• Developing Shopify apps based on custom functionality

3. Detail important features or functionality

After determining the purpose of the app, you can finalize the features that the app would need.

• You can write down all the ideas and collect all the resources you can find.
• The best practice would be to have minimal features because you can later expand the list as you want.

Functionality is how your app should actually work. This could be anything about specific parts of the app that need additional explanation.

4. Provide any reference for an app idea, if possible

• Describe what you want:

  The description of your referred Shopify app project begins with the top-level idea of what the app is about and how it’ll help the user.

• Identify the sequence:

  Identifying the sequence refers to understanding how the user is supposed to interact with the application. This can be explained in form of a flowchart, algorithm, or step-by-step process. Whatever means you choose, make sure that it clarifies exactly how the app solves the specific problem in question.

• Use examples from existing apps:

  Wherever possible you can use examples from existing applications to give developers a concise idea about your requirements. This bridges the communication gap and results in the better execution of the project. Examples of competitors’ apps can also benefit the developer by giving them an idea of the overall project.

• Know where to stop:

  It can be a little overwhelming to describe every detail of your idea. While writing your specifications for a project ensure don’t get into minute details which are not helpful for you or the person developing the app. Details can be left for the developer to decide.

• Prioritize features:

  You can set priorities for your distinct features so that developers can focus on requirements based on priorities.

5. Discuss if you are looking for a public app, private, or custom app

In other words, what should the Shopify app do?

• Firstly, if it’s a public app it allows you to work with several stores and can be listed in the app store. It also grants you access to many different APIs.
• Though, of course, there could be specifications you’ll need to write down, such as wanting app extensions to extend the Shopify admin UI.
• You should list out that they must sync certain customer data with Shopify as explained in the API terms of use.
• Now, take a look at if you want a private app, a private app, which only allows you to work with one store. You can mention your requirements for the same.
• Likewise, for the custom app is meant for developers building an app tailored for a single merchant.

You can discuss which of these apps you would want to go for as mentioning your requirements is essentially important and would clearly define your objectives.

6. Create a Timeline

• The next step is to talk to your shopify agency  and create a timeline and an estimate as to when you would want the task to be completed. This can help you tell them to adjust their pace of work accordingly.
• If you need a quick turnaround time do not forget to mention the same. Keep into consideration the maximum time it takes to build a Shopify app.

7. Talk to your Shopify app development agency about their project cost

• When sending your specification to agencies, be clear on talking about their project costs.
• The budget required for the project should be clearly stated.
• Do include information about the preferred pricing model.
• A breakdown of the budget can be given if appropriate.

8. Shopify app development process

• Talk to your Shopify app development agency about their app development or the procurement process.
• When sending your Shopify app specification to agencies ask them about how often they update on the project.
• In your specification, outline any maintenance and support requirements that you have because Shopify apps need to be updated, maintained, and improved over time.

Applications add more features and functionalities to a system. Well, now are you a Shopify store owner thinking desperately about how to add more functionality to your store? If so, we at CgColors have the right solution for you.

We provide services in all areas of Shopify, ranging from taking up small tasks for your store to developing functional apps to help stores sell more. It is all possible, thanks to a team of highly dedicated and skilled developers, well-versed in the latest technology and trends.