Design Specifications
Design specifications are detailed documents that outline the requirements, architecture, and implementation details for a software system or component. They serve as a blueprint for developers, ensuring that the final product aligns with stakeholder expectations and technical standards. These documents typically include functional requirements, user interface designs, data models, API definitions, and performance criteria.
Developers should create and use design specifications to reduce ambiguity, prevent scope creep, and facilitate collaboration in complex projects. They are essential in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, finance) for compliance, and in agile environments to maintain consistency across sprints. For example, when building a microservices architecture, specifications help define service boundaries and communication protocols.