Are you a storyteller?

So what is this one-page write-up? It is a simple document that explains how it feels to use the site. In almost all the projects I have worked with, when someone new joins the team, they will be quickly discouraged if asked to go through every bit of paperwork. But they will be thrilled if they find a single-page document that quickly tells them what the site is meant to be.

You can call this document whatever you like—concept document, market requirements document, customer experience documentation, or even an Epic Fragile StoryLog? (patent pending). It really doesn't matter.

The document should focus on the user experience rather than technical or implementation details. Make it short and interesting to read. In fact, Joel Spolsky's rule number one on documenting requirements is funny.

If possible, write about a typical user (persona in marketing speak), the problem they are facing, and how the web application solves it. Imagine how they would explain the experience to a friend. Try to capture this.

Here is a concept document for the SuperBook project:

The SuperBook concept

The following interview was conducted after our website SuperBook was launched in the future. A 30-minute user test was conducted just prior to the interview.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Aksel. I am a gray squirrel living in downtown New York. However, everyone calls me Acorn. My dad, T. Berry, a famous hip-hop star, used to call me that. I guess I was never good enough at singing to take up the family business. Actually, in my early days, I was a bit of a kleptomaniac. I am allergic to nuts, you know. Other bros have it easy. They can just live off any park. I had to improvise—cafes, movie halls, amusement parks, and so on. I read labels very carefully too.

Ok, Acorn. Why do you think you were chosen for the user testing?

Probably, because I was featured in an NY Star special on lesser-known superheroes. I guess people find it amusing that a squirrel can use a MacBook (Interviewer: this interview was conducted over chat). Plus, I have the attention span of a squirrel.

Based on what you saw, what is your opinion of SuperBook?

I think it is a fantastic idea. I mean, people see superheroes all the time. However, nobody cares about them. Most are lonely and antisocial. SuperBook could change that.

What do you think is different about SuperBook?

It is built from the ground up for people like us. I mean, there is no fill your "Work and Education" nonsense when you want to use your secret identity. Though I don't have one, I can understand why one would.

Could you tell us briefly some of the features you noticed?

Sure, I think this is a pretty decent social network, where you can:

- Sign up with any username (no more, "enter your real name", silliness)
- Fans can follow people without having to add them as "friends"
- Make posts, comment on them, and re-share them
- Send a private post to another user

Everything is easy. It doesn't take a superhuman to figure it out.

Thanks for your time, Acorn.