Clear, detailed request descriptions lead to faster turnaround and better results. Learn how to write effective requests that give your team everything they need to deliver exactly what you want.
Be Specific:
Include Key Details:
Use Action Words:
Mention Platform/Page:
New Development:
Updates/Changes:
Bug Fixes:
Design Work:
1. Overview (What):
2. Requirements (How):
3. References (Examples):
4. Access (Credentials):
5. Success Criteria (Done When):
Overview:
I need [what] on [where] for [purpose].Requirements:
- Requirement 1
- Requirement 2
- Requirement 3Design/Functionality:
- Design detail 1
- Functionality detail 1
- Technical requirement 1References:
- Example site: [URL]
- Attached: [file names]
- Inspiration: [description]Access:
- Website: [URL]
- Username: [username]
- Password: [password]
- Admin URL: [URL]Success Criteria:
This request is complete when [specific outcome].
Example Websites:
Screenshots:
Design Files:
Brand Assets:
Content:
For Websites:
For Screenshots:
For Design Files:
Website Access:
Hosting Access (if needed):
Third-Party Services:
In Request Description:
Via Password Manager:
Create Temporary Access:
✅ Clear Title: Specific and descriptive
✅ Detailed Description: What, how, why explained
✅ Requirements Listed: All requirements specified
✅ References Attached: Examples, screenshots, files
✅ Access Provided: All necessary credentials
✅ Success Criteria: Clear definition of done
✅ Priority Set: If you have multiple requests
✅ Deadline Noted: If time-sensitive
✅ Brand Assets: Logo, colors, fonts if needed
✅ Content Ready: Text, images, media included
✅ Technical Constraints: Browser support, performance needs
✅ User Stories: "As a user, I want to..."
✅ Edge Cases: Special scenarios to consider
✅ Mobile Requirements: Mobile-specific needs
✅ SEO Requirements: Meta tags, keywords, etc.
❌ Bad Request:
Title: Update Homepage
Description: Need to update the homepage. Make it look better.
✅ Good Request:
Title: Redesign Homepage Hero Section with New Branding
Description:
Overview:
I need to update our homepage hero section to match our new brand identity. The current hero feels outdated and doesn't reflect our new positioning.Requirements:
- Replace hero background with attached image (hero-bg.jpg)
- Update headline to: "Transform Your Business with AI-Powered Solutions"
- Update subheadline to: "Join 10,000+ companies using our platform"
- Change CTA button from "Learn More" to "Start Free Trial"
- Update color scheme to new brand colors (see attached brand-guide.pdf)Design Preferences:
- Modern, clean design
- Large, bold headline (similar to https://stripe.com)
- Prominent CTA button in brand blue (#3B82F6)
- Mobile-responsive (test on iPhone and Android)References:
- Inspiration: https://stripe.com (love the hero layout)
- Attached: hero-bg.jpg, brand-guide.pdf, logo-new.svgAccess:
- Website: https://mysite.com/wp-admin
- Username: admin@mysite.com
- Password: [provided securely]Success Criteria:
Complete when hero section matches new branding, all text updated, and displays correctly on desktop and mobile.
❌ Bad Request:
Title: Form Not Working
Description: The contact form isn't working. Please fix.
✅ Good Request:
Title: Fix Contact Form Submission Error on Mobile Devices
Description:
Overview:
Our contact form on the /contact page is not submitting on mobile devices (iPhone and Android). Desktop works fine.Issue Details:
- When users tap "Submit" on mobile, nothing happens
- No error message displayed
- Form works perfectly on desktop browsers
- Started happening after last update on Jan 10
- Tested on iPhone 12 (Safari) and Samsung Galaxy (Chrome)Steps to Reproduce:
1. Visit https://mysite.com/contact on mobile
2. Fill out all form fields
3. Tap "Submit" button
4. Nothing happens - form doesn't submitExpected Behavior:
Form should submit and show success message: "Thank you! We'll be in touch soon."Screenshots:
- Attached: mobile-form-issue.jpg (shows the form on mobile)
- Attached: console-error.jpg (browser console error)Access:
- Website: https://mysite.com/wp-admin
- Username: admin@mysite.com
- Password: [provided securely]Success Criteria:
Form submits successfully on mobile devices and displays success message.
❌ Bad Request:
Title: Add Search
Description: We need a search feature.
✅ Good Request:
Title: Add Product Search with Filters to Shopify Store
Description:
Overview:
I need to add a product search feature with filtering capabilities to our Shopify store. Customers should be able to search products and filter by category, price, and color.Requirements:
- Search bar in header (visible on all pages)
- Search results page showing matching products
- Filters: Category, Price Range, Color, Size
- Sort options: Relevance, Price (Low to High), Price (High to Low), Newest
- Display 12 products per page with pagination
- Mobile-responsive designFunctionality:
- Real-time search suggestions as user types
- Search should include product title, description, and tags
- Filters should update results without page reload
- Show result count (e.g., "24 products found")
- "Clear all filters" buttonDesign Preferences:
- Clean, modern design matching our store theme
- Filters on left sidebar (desktop) or collapsible menu (mobile)
- Product grid layout (3 columns desktop, 2 mobile)
- Reference: https://gymshark.com (similar search/filter layout)References:
- Inspiration: https://gymshark.com/collections/all
- Attached: search-mockup.png (rough design idea)Access:
- Shopify Store: https://mystore.myshopify.com/admin
- Email: admin@mystore.com
- Password: [provided securely]Success Criteria:
Search feature works on all devices, filters update results correctly, and design matches store theme.
Use ChatGPT or similar to:
Example Prompt:
"I need to update my website homepage. Help me write a detailed request description including: new hero section with modern design, updated copy, new CTA button, and mobile responsive. Format it with clear sections for overview, requirements, and success criteria."
Q: How long should my request description be?
A: As long as needed to be clear. Usually 200-500 words with all details. Better too much info than too little.
Q: Can I edit my request after submitting?
A: Yes, you can edit requests or add comments with additional information anytime.
Q: What if I don't have all the information yet?
A: Submit what you have and add details via comments. Or wait until you have complete information.
Q: Should I include technical details if I'm not technical?
A: Describe what you want to achieve. Your team will handle technical implementation.
Q: Can I attach multiple files?
A: Yes, attach as many files as needed (up to 25MB each).
Q: What if I'm not sure how to describe what I want?
A: Use examples! Show similar websites or features and say "I want something like this."
Q: How detailed should I be about design?
A: Provide preferences but trust your designer's expertise. Say what you like/dislike and provide examples.
Q: Should I create one request for multiple related changes?
A: If they're closely related (e.g., updating one page), yes. If separate features, create separate requests.
Contact support@thrivepix.com or message your project manager