How to Write MVP Requirements That Developers Actually Understand

You have a brilliant startup idea. You've validated the concept and you're ready to build. Then you sit down to explain it to developers and... everything falls apart.

"It should just work like Uber, but for dog walking."

That sentence makes perfect sense to you. To a developer, it's a nightmare. What part of Uber? The matching algorithm? The payment system? The real-time tracking?

Vague requirements are the #1 reason MVPs go over budget, miss deadlines, and launch with the wrong features.

Why Requirements Matter More for MVPs

When you're building an MVP, every hour of development time counts. Unclear requirements create:

• Scope creep: "Can we also add..." multiplies when boundaries aren't clear
• Rework cycles: Building the wrong thing means building it twice
• Missed deadlines: Ambiguity creates hidden complexity
• Budget overruns: Every misunderstanding costs money

The Biggest Mistakes Founders Make

Mistake #1: Solution-First Thinking

Bad: "Add a button that sends an email when clicked."

Better: "Users need to notify their team when they complete a task."

The first tells developers HOW. The second tells them WHAT problem to solve.

Mistake #2: Assuming Context

Bad: "Users can log in."

Better: "Users can create an account using email/password or Google OAuth. Returning users can log in with their credentials. Failed login attempts show an error message."

Mistake #3: Skipping Edge Cases

Bad: "Users can upload photos."

Better: "Users can upload photos (max 5MB, JPG/PNG only). If file exceeds limit, show error. Maximum 10 photos per listing."

The User Story Framework

User stories are the gold standard for MVP requirements.

Format: As a [type of user], I want to [action] so that [benefit].

Examples:

• As a job seeker, I want to save jobs to a list so that I can apply to them later.
• As a restaurant owner, I want to see today's reservations so that I can prepare the right number of tables.
• As a team admin, I want to remove inactive members so that I don't pay for unused seats.

Adding Acceptance Criteria

User stories tell developers what to build. Acceptance criteria tell them when it's done.

User Story: As a customer, I want to search for products so that I can find what I'm looking for quickly.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Search box is visible on all pages in the header
• Search returns results as user types (after 3 characters)
• Results show product name, price, and thumbnail image
• No results state shows "No products found" with suggested categories
• Results load within 2 seconds

Requirements Document Template

1. Product Overview (1 paragraph)

What is this product and who is it for?

2. User Types

Define every type of user who will interact with your product.

3. Core User Flows

Map the critical journeys through your product.

4. Feature Requirements

User Stories + Acceptance Criteria for each feature.

5. Out of Scope

Explicitly state what you're NOT building.

6. Technical Constraints

Any specific technical requirements.

The Handoff Conversation

Documentation alone isn't enough. Schedule a kickoff call to:

• Walk through each user story
• Answer questions developers will have
• Discuss technical approach
• Align on timeline
• Establish communication cadence

A 1-hour kickoff call can save 20+ hours of back-and-forth later.

Common Questions Developers Will Ask

Prepare answers for these before your kickoff:

• What happens when [edge case] occurs?
• What's the expected volume of users/data?
• Are there any third-party integrations required?
• What's the authentication method?
• Do you have brand guidelines/design system?
• What analytics/tracking do you need?