• Program a new functionality
• Integrate a third party system
• Design
• Why specification is important

There is an art to getting what you want and it's called specification.

A specification is an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a program. It describes the behavior of modification, various situations and how system should respond to them.

In this article you will find a guideline for ViArt custom work specification along with real examples.

Program a new functionality

It is not necessary to have any technical skills in order to provide a clear specification, your visualization of how it should work and look is enough. The most effective way to explain what you want is doing so via images.

For example, it could be a screenshot of admin/user pages with comments what and where needs to be added:

If you need a new invoice display, the best way to describe it will be to compare old and new invoices showing the difference and changes with different colours:

Here is one more example of old and new looks with description of new feature:

Even if you can't create such nice images you could always draw it, the main purpose is to see the feature with your eyes:

When ordering a new functionality along with description of each task provide your site URL, admin login and FTP login details.

Integrate a third party system

When integrating a third party system, for example payment gateway, shipping module or import system the main information you should provide is:

• Technical documentation (in English) on the required system. Documentation must contain samples of code and other relevant information for developers.
• Test account details to access third party system.
• Valid Admin and FTP credentials to your ViArt Shop to install a system.

If you wish to integrate an import system also add to this information:

• Screenshots of the fields need updating.

• Schedule information when products needs to be updated e.g. daily at 7 p.m. (GMT), weekly, monthly etc.

Design

When ordering a new design include ANY (or all) of the following:

• examples of websites that you like;
• wireframes of the layout;
• company Logo;
• any colour preferences;
• detailed information/input of the design
• valid Admin and FTP credentials to your ViArt Shop to install a system.

Why specification is important

Communication and clarification of the custom work details can take up to 40-60% of the whole time spent of customization itself. Keeping in mind that quotes are based on spent time this is where you could save a solid amount, not to mention you will make life easier for programmers and customization will work exactly like you wanted.