Common Terms You’ll See in Our Requests and Specs

Brief: A short summary of what you want and why.
Example: "Please send a brief that explains the goal, audience, and timing."

Request: The thing you are asking someone to help with.
Example: "I have a request for a new version of the form."

Spec / Specification: The details that describe what the finished result should be like.
Example: "The spec should include the size, format, and deadline."

Scope: The amount of work included in the request.
Example: "We need to confirm the scope before we start."

Requirement: A must-have condition that the result needs to meet.
Example: "A requirement is that the final file be easy to print."

Constraint: A limit that narrows the choices, such as time, size, or budget.
Example: "The main constraint is that the request must be finished this week."

Deliverable: The thing that will be handed over at the end.
Example: "The deliverable is a one-page summary and a printable version."

Timeline: The sequence of steps and dates involved in the work.
Example: "The timeline should include the draft, review, and final delivery."

Deadline: The last acceptable time or date for completion.
Example: "The deadline is Friday afternoon."

Draft: A working version that is not final yet.
Example: "I can send a draft first and revise it after feedback."

Revision: A change made after the first version is reviewed.
Example: "Please keep revisions small so the message stays clear."

Version: One named form of the request or file, usually with changes from earlier copies.
Example: "Use the latest version so we are all working from the same file."

Reference: An example, link, photo, or note that shows the direction you mean.
Example: "I added a reference so the tone is easier to match."

Approval: The point when someone says the request or spec is ready to move ahead.
Example: "We are waiting for approval before we continue."

Clarification: An explanation that removes confusion or fills in a missing detail.
Example: "Thank you for the clarification on the file format."

Priority: The thing that matters most if you have to choose between tradeoffs.
Example: "Speed is the priority, even if the first version stays simple."