EchoTransact Voice Commerce Payment Infrastructure
Product Requirements Document
Product Overview
EchoTransact is a voice commerce payment infrastructure that enables businesses to securely process payments initiated through voice interactions. Our vision is to bridge the critical gap between conversational commerce and secure transaction processing, allowing businesses to fully monetize their voice channels without compromising security or user experience.
This document outlines the requirements for the EchoTransact platform, which will serve as the definitive standard for voice-initiated payments in the rapidly expanding Voice AI market.
1. Foundation Layer
1.1 Product Vision
EchoTransact will transform voice from an information channl to a complete commercial platform by providing a secure, frictionless payment infrastructure specifically designed for Voice AI applications. By solving the critical friction point of payment processing within voice interactions, we will enable businesses to fully capitalize on the explosive growth of the Voice AI market (projected to expand from $3-4 billion in 2023 to $40-50 billion by 2030-2034).
Core Value Proposition:
- Enable businesses to convert voice interactions into completed transactions without breaking conversational flow
- Maintain robust security through a hybrid multi-channel approach that balances protection with user experience
- Provide universal compatibility with any Voice AI system and integration with existing commerce backends
- Reduce implementation complexity through purpose-built APIs and standardized integration methods
- Ensure regulatory compliance through a security architecture designed specifically for voice commerce
Market Positioning: EchoTransact will establish itself as the category-defining solution for voice-initiated payments, positioned between Voice AI platforms (which lack payment capabilities) and traditional payment processors (which aren't optimized for voice interactions).
1.2 User Personas
Primary Persona: Voice AI Implementation Lead
Profile:
- Name: Alex Chen
- Role: Director of Digital Innovation
- Company: Mid-sized retail chain
- Age: 35-45
- Technical Sophistication: High in digital technologies, moderate in payments infrastructure
Goals:
- Demonstrate ROI from Voice AI investments
- Increase conversion rates in voice channels
- Pioneer innovative customer experiences
- Implement secure payment methods without excessive development resources
Pain Points:
- Customers abandon purchases when forced to switch channels to complete payment
- Security concerns around voice payments limit implementation options
- Integration complexity between Voice AI and payment systems
- Difficulty measuring the complete customer journey across channels
Decision Factors:
- Implementation timeline and resource requirements
- Security credentials and compliance certifications
- Integration capabilities with existing Voice AI and e-commerce systems
- Potential impact on conversion rates and average order value
Secondary Persona: E-commerce Platform Manager
Profile:
- Name: Sarah Johnson
- Role: Head of E-commerce
- Company: D2C consumer brand
- Age: 30-40
- Technical Sophistication: High in e-commerce, moderate in Voice AI
Goals:
- Expand sales channels beyond traditional web and mobile
- Reduce cart abandonment and increase conversion rates
- Stay ahead of competitors with innovative purchasing options
- Maintain consistent brand experience across all channels
Pain Points:
- Limited ability to monetize growing voice interactions
- Complex integration requirements for new sales channels
- Inconsistent customer experience between browsing and purchasing
- Difficulty attributing sales to voice channel initiatives
Decision Factors:
- Integration with existing e-commerce platform (Shopify, Magento, etc.)
- Impact on overall conversion metrics
- Customer experience quality and consistency
- Total cost of ownership including implementation and maintenance
Tertiary Persona: Contact Center Director
Profile:
- Name: Michael Rodriguez
- Role: Director of Customer Operations
- Company: Large financial services firm
- Age: 45-55
- Technical Sophistication: Moderate in contact center technology, lower in Voice AI
Goals:
- Transform cost centers into revenue generators
- Improve operational efficiency while maintaining service quality
- Reduce average handle time while increasing conversion
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations
Pain Points:
- High operational costs for payment processing through agents
- Compliance and security risks with traditional phone payments
- Difficulty measuring ROI of Voice AI investments
- Change management challenges with new technology
Decision Factors:
- Compliance with financial industry regulations
- Security certifications and fraud protection measures
- Integration with existing contact center systems
- Agent experience and training requirements
1.3 Market Context
Competitive Landscape
Direct Competitors:
- Voiceflow Payments (emerging feature): Integrated with popular Voiceflow platform but lacks specialized payment security expertise and offers limited integration options.
- SoundCommerce (early-stage startup): First-mover in voice commerce with strong retail focus but less sophisticated security architecture and limited integration capabilities.
Adjacent Competitors:
- Stripe Voice (rumored development): Potential future competitor with strong payment infrastructure but not voice-first design.
- Amazon Pay for Alexa: Closed ecosystem limited to Amazon services with strong consumer trust but limited to Alexa platform.
- PayPal Voice Initiatives: Strong consumer recognition but limited voice expertise and early experimental stage.
Market Trends:
- Voice AI market experiencing 20-35% annual growth
- Increasing consumer comfort with voice interfaces across demographics
- Growing expectation for seamless omnichannel experiences
- Rising concerns about voice security and privacy
- Regulatory focus on voice authentication and verification
- Emergence of multimodal voice experiences (voice + screen)
Adoption Barriers:
- Security concerns around voice payments
- Integration complexity with existing systems
- Regulatory uncertainty in voice commerce
- Consumer hesitation about voice payment security
- Technical limitations of current Voice AI platforms
Market Opportunity: EchoTransact addresses the critical gap between the growing Voice AI market and the need for secure payment processing, positioning itself as the essential infrastructure that enables voice monetization across any platform or industry.
1.4 Success Criteria
Business Metrics:
- Process $10 million in voice-initiated payment volume within first year
- Achieve integration with 5+ major Voice AI platforms within 18 months
- Secure partnerships with 10+ major e-commerce backends by end of year two
- Reach monthly recurring revenue of $500K within 24 months
- Achieve 40% year-over-year growth in transaction volume
Product Metrics:
- Maintain 99.9% payment processing uptime
- Achieve <2% data-preserve-html-node="true" transaction abandonment rate during payment flow
- Process 90% of transactions in under 60 seconds end-to-end
- Maintain fraud rate below industry average (0.1% of transaction volume)
- Achieve Net Promoter Score of 40+ from business customers
Adoption Metrics:
- Onboard 100+ businesses within first year
- Achieve 30% month-over-month growth in new account signups
- Reach 70% of customers integrating multiple Voice AI platforms
- Achieve 40% adoption of advanced security features
- Maintain customer retention rate above 90%
User Experience Metrics:
- 85%+ of end users complete first-time payment setup
- 95%+ of returning users complete transactions successfully
- Average payment completion time under 45 seconds for returning users
- 80%+ of users opt for biometric authentication when available
- <5% data-preserve-html-node="true" of users require support during payment process
2. Features Layer
2.1 Core Functionality
2.1.1 Voice-Initiated Payment Flow
Description: Enable a seamless transition from voice interaction to secure payment processing through a hybrid approach that maintains conversational context while ensuring transaction security.
Requirements:
- Voice AI must be able to trigger payment initiation via API call
- System must collect and verify mobile number through voice channel
- Payment link must be automatically generated and sent via SMS
- Payment link must maintain context from voice interaction (items, amounts, etc.)
- Transaction must be trackable across both voice and SMS channels
- Voice AI must receive real-time status updates on payment progress
- Conversation must resume naturally after payment completion
User Stories:
- As a customer, I want to purchase items discussed during a voice interaction without repeating information so that I can complete my purchase efficiently.
- As a business, I want to initiate payments during voice interactions so that I can convert more sales without channel switching.
- As a Voice AI developer, I want to integrate payment capabilities into my voice experiences so that I can monetize customer interactions.
Acceptance Criteria:
- Payment can be initiated from any Voice AI platform through standardized API
- Customer receives SMS with payment link within 5 seconds of providing mobile number
- Payment link contains all relevant transaction details from voice interaction
- Voice AI receives confirmation when payment is completed
- Conversation can continue with acknowledgment of completed payment
2.1.2 Multi-Channel Authentication
Description: Provide a secure, flexible authentication system that leverages both voice and mobile channels to verify user identity while minimizing friction.
Requirements:
- Support one-time SMS verification codes for initial setup
- Enable biometric authentication options (TouchID, FaceID) for returning users
- Implement risk-based authentication that adapts to transaction value
- Support device recognition for simplified authentication on known devices
- Maintain cross-channel authentication state between voice and mobile
- Provide fallback authentication methods for all scenarios
- Support step-up authentication for high-value transactions
User Stories:
- As a customer, I want to securely authenticate my identity when making voice payments so that I feel confident my information is protected.
- As a returning customer, I want to use biometric authentication so that I can complete purchases more quickly.
- As a business, I want to offer appropriate security levels based on transaction risk so that I can balance security and convenience.
Acceptance Criteria:
- First-time users can securely set up authentication preferences
- Returning users can authenticate via SMS or biometrics based on preference
- Transactions over $100 trigger additional verification steps
- Authentication state is maintained across channels
- Suspicious transactions trigger additional security measures
2.1.3 Transaction Management
Description: Provide comprehensive transaction processing capabilities including payment capture, refunds, voids, and reporting.
Requirements:
- Support major payment methods (credit/debit cards, ACH, digital wallets)
- Process authorizations, captures, refunds, and voids
- Provide real-time transaction status updates
- Support partial refunds and split payments
- Enable saved payment methods for returning customers
- Implement automatic retry logic for failed transactions
- Provide detailed transaction reporting and analytics
User Stories:
- As a business, I want to process various payment types through voice channels so that I can meet customer preferences.
- As a customer service representative, I want to issue refunds for voice purchases so that I can resolve customer issues.
- As a finance manager, I want to reconcile voice-initiated transactions so that I can maintain accurate financial records.
Acceptance Criteria:
- All major payment methods can be processed successfully
- Transactions can be tracked from initiation to settlement
- Refunds can be processed within the system
- Transaction data is available through reporting interfaces
- Failed transactions are automatically retried based on configurable rules
2.1.4 Commerce Backend Integration
Description: Seamlessly connect with existing e-commerce and order management systems to ensure consistent inventory, pricing, and order processing.
Requirements:
- Provide pre-built integrations for major platforms (Shopify, Magento, etc.)
- Support custom API integration for proprietary systems
- Synchronize inventory, pricing, and product data
- Create orders in existing systems upon payment completion
- Support real-time inventory verification during transaction
- Enable customizable order tagging for attribution
- Provide webhook notifications for order status changes
User Stories:
- As an e-commerce manager, I want voice purchases to create orders in my existing system so that I can maintain centralized order management.
- As a product manager, I want to ensure inventory is synchronized so that customers can't purchase out-of-stock items through voice.
- As a developer, I want flexible integration options so that I can connect EchoTransact to our proprietary systems.
Acceptance Criteria:
- Orders created through voice payments appear in connected commerce systems
- Inventory is checked in real-time before payment completion
- Order details are consistent across channels
- Integration requires minimal customization of existing systems
- Webhook notifications provide timely updates on transaction status
2.2 Data Management
2.2.1 Customer Data Management
Description: Securely store and manage customer data to enable personalized experiences while ensuring privacy and compliance.
Requirements:
- Create unified customer profiles across voice interactions
- Securely store payment methods for returning customers
- Implement strong encryption for all sensitive data
- Support customer data portability and deletion requests
- Enable preference management for communication and authentication
- Implement data minimization principles
- Provide audit trails for all data access
Data Entities:
- Customer Profiles (contact information, preferences)
- Payment Methods (tokenized, never raw card data)
- Authentication Settings (preferences, biometric enablement)
- Transaction History (linked to customer profile)
- Consent Records (timestamps, versions, methods)
Data Policies:
- PCI DSS compliance for all payment data
- GDPR/CCPA compliance for personal information
- Data retention based on regulatory requirements and business needs
- Encryption of data both in transit and at rest
- Access controls based on role and need-to-know
2.2.2 Transaction Data Management
Description: Manage transaction data throughout the payment lifecycle, from initiation to settlement and reporting.
Requirements:
- Capture comprehensive transaction metadata
- Link transactions across voice and mobile channels
- Store transaction history for reporting and analytics
- Implement appropriate data retention policies
- Support data export for reconciliation
- Enable transaction search and filtering
- Maintain audit trails for all transaction activities
Data Entities:
- Transaction Records (amount, status, timestamps)
- Payment Details (method, authorization codes, tokens)
- Order Information (items, quantities, prices)
- Channel Data (originating Voice AI, device info)
- Risk Signals (location, behavioral patterns)
Data Policies:
- Transaction data retained according to financial regulations
- Reporting data anonymized where possible
- Secure access controls for financial information
- Audit logging for all transaction-related activities
2.2.3 Analytics and Reporting
Description: Provide comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities to measure performance and drive optimization.
Requirements:
- Track conversion rates from voice interaction to completed payment
- Measure authentication success rates and abandonment points
- Provide transaction volume and value reporting
- Enable segmentation by Voice AI platform, business type, etc.
- Support custom report creation and scheduling
- Implement data visualization dashboards
- Enable data export in standard formats
Data Entities:
- Conversion Metrics (funnel progression, drop-off points)
- Performance Metrics (response times, completion rates)
- Financial Metrics (volume, average value, growth)
- User Behavior Patterns (authentication preferences, retry patterns)
- Error and Exception Data (failure points, error types)
Data Policies:
- Aggregated data available for benchmarking
- Individual business data segregated and secured
- Historical data available for trend analysis
- Real-time metrics for operational monitoring
2.3 Integration Requirements
2.3.1 Voice AI Platform Integration
Description: Enable seamless integration with any Voice AI platform to initiate and manage payments within voice interactions.
Requirements:
- Provide RESTful APIs for payment initiation and status updates
- Support major Voice AI platforms (Google Dialogflow, Amazon Lex, etc.)
- Implement SDKs for common development environments
- Enable context sharing between voice interaction and payment flow
- Support webhook notifications for payment events
- Provide sample code and integration guides
- Enable testing through sandbox environments
Integration Points:
- Payment Initiation API
- Transaction Status API
- Customer Verification API
- Webhook Configuration API
- Session Management API
Authentication Methods:
- OAuth 2.0 for secure API access
- API keys for development and testing
- JWT for secure cross-service communication
- IP whitelisting for additional security
2.3.2 Commerce System Integration
Description: Connect with existing e-commerce platforms, order management systems, and inventory management solutions.
Requirements:
- Provide pre-built connectors for major platforms (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, etc.)
- Support REST and GraphQL API integration options
- Enable bidirectional data synchronization
- Support batch and real-time integration models
- Implement error handling and retry logic
- Provide data mapping and transformation capabilities
- Support custom field mapping and extensions
Integration Points:
- Order Creation API
- Inventory Verification API
- Product Information API
- Customer Data API
- Fulfillment Status API
Data Exchange Patterns:
- Real-time API calls for critical operations
- Webhooks for event-driven updates
- Scheduled synchronization for non-critical data
- Batch processing for historical data
2.3.3 Payment Processor Integration
Description: Connect with payment processors and gateways to enable transaction processing while maintaining PCI compliance.
Requirements:
- Support integration with major payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, etc.)
- Implement tokenization for PCI compliance
- Support 3D Secure authentication when required
- Enable processor-specific features and optimizations
- Provide fallback processing options
- Support split routing based on payment method
- Implement automatic retries for soft declines
Integration Points:
- Authorization API
- Capture API
- Refund API
- Tokenization API
- Settlement API
Security Requirements:
- PCI DSS Level 1 compliance
- End-to-end encryption for sensitive data
- Tokenization of payment information
- Secure credential storage
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
2.3.4 Identity Verification Integration
Description: Connect with identity verification services to validate user identity for high-value transactions and regulatory compliance.
Requirements:
- Integrate with major identity verification providers
- Support document verification (ID, passport)
- Enable facial recognition matching
- Implement risk-based verification triggers
- Support KYC/AML compliance checks
- Provide verification status tracking
- Enable manual review processes for edge cases
Integration Points:
- Verification Initiation API
- Document Upload API
- Verification Status API
- Risk Assessment API
- Compliance Check API
Verification Methods:
- Document scanning and validation
- Facial recognition comparison
- Knowledge-based authentication
- Phone number verification
- Address verification services
2.4 Administrative Functions
2.4.1 Business Management Console
Description: Provide a comprehensive administrative interface for businesses to manage their EchoTransact implementation.
Requirements:
- Enable configuration of payment settings and preferences
- Provide transaction monitoring and management
- Support user and role management
- Enable integration configuration and testing
- Provide analytics and reporting dashboards
- Support notification and alert configuration
- Enable branding and customization options
User Roles:
- Administrator (full access)
- Finance Manager (transaction and reporting access)
- Integration Developer (API and configuration access)
- Customer Service (transaction lookup and refund capabilities)
- Analyst (reporting and analytics access)
Key Functions:
- Transaction search and management
- Configuration and settings management
- User and permission administration
- Integration status monitoring
- Report generation and scheduling
- Branding and customization tools
2.4.2 Developer Portal
Description: Provide comprehensive resources for developers implementing EchoTransact integration.
Requirements:
- Provide detailed API documentation
- Offer SDKs for major programming languages
- Implement interactive API testing tools
- Provide sample code and implementation guides
- Support sandbox testing environments
- Offer integration status monitoring
- Provide developer community and support
Key Functions:
- API documentation and reference
- SDK downloads and documentation
- Authentication key management
- Webhook configuration and testing
- Environment management (sandbox/production)
- Error logs and debugging tools
- Implementation guides and tutorials
2.4.3 Security and Compliance Management
Description: Enable businesses to manage security settings, compliance requirements, and fraud prevention.
Requirements:
- Configure risk-based authentication rules
- Set transaction limits and restrictions
- Review and manage flagged transactions
- Configure fraud prevention settings
- Access compliance documentation and certifications
- Manage data retention and privacy settings
- Review security logs and alerts
Key Functions:
- Risk rule configuration
- Transaction monitoring and review
- Compliance documentation access
- Security settings management
- Audit log review and export
- User activity monitoring
- Data privacy controls
2.4.4 Account and Billing Management
Description: Enable businesses to manage their EchoTransact account, subscription, and billing information.
Requirements:
- Support self-service account setup and configuration
- Provide subscription management and plan changes
- Enable billing information management
- Provide invoice access and payment history
- Support usage monitoring and alerts
- Enable add-on service activation
- Provide contract and agreement management
Key Functions:
- Account profile management
- Subscription plan management
- Payment method administration
- Invoice history and payment
- Usage monitoring and reporting
- Service activation and deactivation
- Account support and ticketing
3. Experience Layer
3.1 User Flows
3.1.1 First-Time Payment Flow
Description: The complete journey for a customer making their first voice-initiated payment through EchoTransact.
Flow Steps:
- Customer engages with business through Voice AI
- Customer decides to make a purchase during voice interaction
- Voice AI offers payment option and requests mobile number
- Customer provides mobile number verbally
- System sends SMS with payment link to provided number
- Customer clicks link, opening secure payment interface
- Customer enters payment information and completes purchase
- Customer sets authentication preference for future transactions
- System confirms successful payment
- Voice AI acknowledges payment and continues conversation
Decision Points:
- If mobile number recognition fails, system requests spelling or confirmation
- If payment link is not clicked within 5 minutes, reminder notification is sent
- If payment fails, system provides specific error and recovery options
- If authentication setup fails, alternative options are provided
Error Handling:
- Invalid mobile number: Request alternative number
- Link expiration: Generate new link upon request
- Payment failure: Provide specific error and alternative payment options
- Network interruption: Save progress and enable resumption
Success Criteria:
- Payment completed successfully
- Authentication preference established for future transactions
- Order created in business system
- Voice conversation resumed with acknowledgment
3.1.2 Returning User Payment Flow
Description: The streamlined journey for customers who have previously completed a transaction through EchoTransact.
Flow Steps:
- Customer engages with business through Voice AI
- Customer decides to make a purchase during voice interaction
- Voice AI recognizes returning customer (if same business) or offers EchoTransact payment
- Customer confirms desire to use EchoTransact
- System sends verification to customer's mobile device
- Customer completes verification (SMS code or biometric)
- System processes payment using saved method or requests new details
- System confirms successful payment
- Voice AI acknowledges payment and continues conversation
Decision Points:
- If customer recognition fails, system defaults to first-time flow
- If verification times out, system resends or offers alternative
- If saved payment method fails, system requests new payment information
- If transaction exceeds risk threshold, additional verification is requested
Error Handling:
- Failed recognition: Transition to first-time user flow
- Verification failure: Offer alternative verification method
- Payment method decline: Request alternative payment method
- Security threshold trigger: Implement step-up authentication
Success Criteria:
- Customer recognized as returning user
- Streamlined authentication completed successfully
- Payment processed with minimal steps
- Voice conversation resumed with acknowledgment
3.1.3 Transaction Management Flow
Description: The process for businesses to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot transactions through the administrative console.
Flow Steps:
- Business user logs into EchoTransact administrative console
- User navigates to transaction management section
- User searches for specific transaction or filters transaction list
- User reviews transaction details and status
- User takes action if needed (refund, void, capture)
- System processes requested action and updates status
- System provides confirmation of completed action
- User can continue managing other transactions
Decision Points:
- If transaction search returns multiple results, user selects specific transaction
- If transaction is in progress, available actions are limited
- If refund is requested, full or partial amount must be specified
- If transaction has been settled, void is replaced with refund option
Error Handling:
- Transaction not found: Expand search criteria or provide advanced search
- Action failure: Display specific error and recommended resolution
- Permission denial: Explain required permissions and escalation path
- System error: Provide error code and support contact information
Success Criteria:
- Transaction successfully located
- Appropriate action completed
- Transaction status updated accordingly
- Audit log entry created for action
3.1.4 Integration Configuration Flow
Description: The process for developers to configure and test EchoTransact integration with Voice AI and commerce systems.
Flow Steps:
- Developer logs into EchoTransact developer portal
- Developer creates new integration project
- Developer selects Voice AI platform and commerce backend
- System provides specific integration instructions and credentials
- Developer configures webhooks and API endpoints
- Developer tests integration using sandbox environment
- System validates integration setup and provides feedback
- Developer transitions integration to production when ready
Decision Points:
- If custom integration is needed, developer selects API-only option
- If multiple environments exist, developer specifies target environment
- If test transactions fail, system provides debugging information
- If validation identifies issues, specific remediation steps are provided
Error Handling:
- Configuration error: Highlight specific issue with resolution steps
- Authentication failure: Verify credentials and permissions
- Endpoint connectivity issues: Provide network troubleshooting steps
- Validation failures: Provide specific test case results and fixes
Success Criteria:
- Integration successfully configured
- Test transactions completed in sandbox
- Validation checks passed
- Production credentials issued
3.2 Interface Requirements
3.2.1 Mobile Payment Interface
Description: The secure payment interface that customers access via SMS link to complete their voice-initiated transaction.
Key Components:
- Transaction summary (items, amounts, business name)
- Payment information entry forms
- Authentication setup options
- Progress indicator
- Security indicators and assurances
- Support access options
- Confirmation screen
Design Requirements:
- Responsive design for all mobile devices
- Single-page flow with minimal steps
- Clear security indicators (lock icon, security badges)
- Consistent branding with business identity
- Accessible design meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards
- Support for dark mode and high contrast
- Loading states and progress indicators
Interaction Requirements:
- Form field validation with clear error messages
- Autofill support for common fields
- Smooth keyboard navigation and form progression
- Touch-friendly input controls with appropriate sizing
- Automatic formatting for card numbers and expiration dates
- Clear call-to-action buttons with obvious hierarchy
- Confirmation animations for successful actions
Content Requirements:
- Clear transaction summary with itemized details
- Concise instructions and prompts
- Security reassurances and privacy statements
- Help text for complex fields
- Error messages that suggest resolution
- Confirmation messaging with next steps
- Business contact information for support
3.2.2 Business Administration Interface
Description: The comprehensive management interface for businesses to configure, monitor, and optimize their EchoTransact implementation.
Key Components:
- Dashboard with key metrics and alerts
- Transaction management and search
- Configuration and settings panels
- User and role management
- Analytics and reporting tools
- Integration status monitoring
- Support and documentation access
Design Requirements:
- Responsive design for desktop and tablet
- Intuitive navigation with logical grouping
- Consistent UI patterns and interaction models
- Data visualization for complex metrics
- Accessible design meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards
- Printable views for reports and documentation
- Theme customization options
Interaction Requirements:
- Advanced search with multiple filters
- Bulk action capabilities for efficiency
- Inline editing where appropriate
- Confirmation dialogs for critical actions
- Persistent user preferences and settings
- Keyboard shortcuts for power users
- Context-sensitive help and guidance
Content Requirements:
- Clear section labels and descriptions
- Consistent terminology across interface
- Informative empty states and onboarding
- Comprehensive help documentation
- Tooltips for complex features
- System notifications and alerts
- Confirmation messages for actions
3.2.3 Developer Portal Interface
Description: The comprehensive resource center for developers implementing and managing EchoTransact integrations.
Key Components:
- API documentation and reference
- SDK downloads and guides
- Authentication key management
- Testing and sandbox tools
- Implementation tutorials
- Code samples and examples
- Support resources and community
Design Requirements:
- Clean, code-focused design
- Syntax highlighting for code examples
- Responsive design optimized for desktop
- Dark mode support for developer preference
- Clear information hierarchy
- Searchable documentation
- Version selection for different API versions
Interaction Requirements:
- Interactive API testing console
- Copyable code snippets
- Live validation of API requests
- Environment switching (sandbox/production)
- Authentication key generation and management
- Webhook testing and simulation
- Search with code-specific filtering
Content Requirements:
- Comprehensive API documentation
- Step-by-step integration guides
- Troubleshooting and error reference
- Best practice recommendations
- Sample applications and code
- Change logs and migration guides
- Community forums and discussions
3.2.4 Voice AI Integration Guidelines
Description: Design and interaction guidelines for Voice AI platforms implementing EchoTransact payment capabilities.
Key Components:
- Conversation design patterns
- Sample dialogues and scripts
- Error handling recommendations
- Transition design between voice and mobile
- Authentication flow guidelines
- Status update patterns
- Confirmation and receipt delivery
Design Requirements:
- Natural language patterns for payment initiation
- Clear prompts for mobile number collection
- Confirmation patterns for user understanding
- Error recovery dialogues and fallbacks
- Context maintenance during channel transition
- Re-engagement patterns after payment completion
Interaction Requirements:
- Handling of ambiguous responses
- Number collection with verification
- Explicit consent confirmation
- Status checking and updates
- Transition cues between channels
- Authentication guidance and assistance
Content Requirements:
- Sample dialogue scripts for common scenarios
- Error handling recommendations
- Privacy and security language templates
- Confirmation and receipt delivery patterns
- Help and support escalation language
- Regulatory compliance statements
3.3 Performance Requirements
3.3.1 Response Time Requirements
Description: Specific performance targets for system responsiveness across all components.
Requirements:
- API response time under 300ms for 95% of requests
- SMS delivery within 3 seconds of request
- Payment page loading under 2 seconds on 3G connections
- Transaction processing initiation within 1 second of submission
- Authentication verification under 3 seconds
- Search results returned within 500ms
- Dashboard loading under 3 seconds with complete data
Measurement Approach:
- Real-time performance monitoring with alerting
- Synthetic transaction testing across regions
- Client-side performance measurement
- Server-side response time tracking
- Regional performance variation monitoring
- Mobile network performance testing
- Periodic load testing under various conditions
3.3.2 Throughput and Capacity
Description: System capacity requirements to handle expected transaction volumes and user loads.
Requirements:
- Support minimum 1,000 concurrent payment sessions
- Process up to 100 transactions per second
- Handle 10,000+ API requests per minute
- Support 500+ concurrent admin console users
- Manage 1 million+ customer profiles
- Process 5 million+ transactions per month
- Handle seasonal volume spikes of 5x normal volume
Scaling Approach:
- Horizontal scaling for stateless components
- Database sharding for customer data
- Caching strategy for frequently accessed data
- Load balancing across multiple regions
- Auto-scaling based on demand patterns
- Queue-based processing for high-volume periods
- Read replicas for reporting and analytics
3.3.3 Reliability and Availability
Description: Requirements for system uptime, reliability, and failure recovery.
Requirements:
- 99.99% uptime for payment processing functions
- 99.9% uptime for administrative functions
- Zero data loss in failure scenarios
- Graceful degradation during partial outages
- Automated failover within 30 seconds
- Recovery Point Objective (RPO) of 5 minutes
- Recovery Time Objective (RTO) of 15 minutes
Resilience Approach:
- Multi-region deployment with failover
- Database replication across regions
- Redundant payment processor connections
- Circuit breakers for dependent services
- Retry logic with exponential backoff
- Fallback mechanisms for critical functions
- Regular disaster recovery testing
3.3.4 Resource Efficiency
Description: Requirements for efficient use of system resources and optimization targets.
Requirements:
- Average CPU utilization below 60% under normal load
- Memory utilization below 70% under normal load
- Storage growth rate manageable within scaling plan
- Bandwidth usage optimized for mobile connections
- Client-side resource usage minimized for mobile devices
- Database query execution times under 50ms for 95% of queries
- Background job efficiency with minimal impact on core functions
Optimization Approach:
- Resource usage monitoring and alerting
- Performance profiling for high-usage components
- Query optimization and indexing strategy
- Asset compression and delivery optimization
- Lazy loading for non-critical components
- Caching strategy for frequently accessed data
- Batch processing for resource-intensive operations
3.4 Contextual Adaptations
3.4.1 Device Adaptations
Description: How the system adapts to different devices and form factors.
Requirements:
- Optimize payment interface for various mobile screen sizes
- Support tablet layouts for administrative console
- Ensure touch-friendly controls on mobile devices
- Adapt to device capabilities (camera, biometrics)
- Optimize performance for various device processing power
- Support offline capabilities where appropriate
- Adapt to device orientation changes
Adaptation Approach:
- Responsive design with breakpoints for different devices
- Progressive enhancement based on device capabilities
- Feature detection for advanced functionality
- Performance optimization for lower-end devices
- Touch-first design with keyboard/mouse support
- Device-specific testing and optimization
3.4.2 User Preference Adaptations
Description: How the system adapts to individual user preferences and behaviors.
Requirements:
- Honor authentication method preferences
- Remember language and locale preferences
- Adapt to user interaction patterns
- Support accessibility preferences and settings
- Remember display preferences (dark mode, text size)
- Adapt to frequency of use patterns
- Support notification preferences
Adaptation Approach:
- Preference storage and retrieval
- Behavioral analysis for optimization
- A/B testing for preference determination
- Progressive profiling to build preference data
- Preference synchronization across devices
- Default settings based on common patterns
3.4.3 Business-Specific Adaptations
Description: How the system adapts to different business types, industries, and use cases.
Requirements:
- Support industry-specific compliance requirements
- Adapt to business branding and visual identity
- Support business-specific payment methods
- Adapt to business transaction patterns and volumes
- Support business-specific integration requirements
- Adapt security measures to business risk profile
- Support business-specific reporting needs
Adaptation Approach:
- Industry templates and configurations
- Customizable branding and appearance
- Flexible integration architecture
- Configurable security and risk parameters
- Custom field support for specialized data
- Industry-specific analytics and reporting
- Vertical-specific best practice recommendations
3.4.4 Regional and Regulatory Adaptations
Description: How the system adapts to different regions, languages, and regulatory environments.
Requirements:
- Support multiple languages and localization
- Adapt to regional payment methods and preferences
- Support region-specific regulatory requirements
- Adapt to regional data privacy regulations
- Support regional currency and formatting
- Adapt to regional fraud patterns and mitigations
- Support region-specific authentication requirements
Adaptation Approach:
- Comprehensive localization framework
- Regional compliance rule engines
- Geolocation-based adaptations
- Regional payment processor routing
- Regulatory requirement mapping
- Cultural preference considerations
- Regional testing and validation
4. Validation Layer
4.1 Functional Testing
4.1.1 Payment Flow Testing
Description: Comprehensive testing of the end-to-end payment flow from voice initiation to completion.
Testing Approach:
- End-to-end transaction testing across channels
- Component-level unit testing
- Integration testing with Voice AI platforms
- Payment processor integration testing
- Error condition and recovery testing
- Performance testing under various loads
- Security testing of payment flow
Test Scenarios:
- Successful first-time payment completion
- Returning user with saved payment method
- Failed payment with recovery
- Timeout and session expiration handling
- Cross-device payment completion
- High-value transaction with additional verification
- Multiple payment method testing
Validation Criteria:
- All payment flows complete successfully
- Errors are handled gracefully with clear messaging
- Transaction data is consistent across all systems
- Performance meets specified requirements
- Security controls function as designed
- Edge cases and error conditions are handled properly
4.1.2 Integration Testing
Description: Testing of all integration points with external systems including Voice AI platforms, commerce systems, and payment processors.
Testing Approach:
- API contract testing
- Mock service testing
- End-to-end integration testing
- Error condition simulation
- Performance testing of integration points
- Security testing of integration endpoints
- Backward compatibility testing
Test Scenarios:
- Successful integration with major Voice AI platforms
- Commerce system order creation and synchronization
- Payment processor transaction processing
- Webhook delivery and processing
- Authentication service integration
- Error handling and retry logic
- API version compatibility
Validation Criteria:
- All integration points function as specified
- Data flows correctly between systems
- Error conditions are handled appropriately
- Performance meets specified requirements
- Security controls are effective
- Versioning and compatibility are maintained
4.1.3 Administrative Function Testing
Description: Testing of all administrative functions including configuration, reporting, and user management.
Testing Approach:
- Functional testing of all administrative features
- Role-based access control testing
- Configuration validation testing
- Report accuracy verification
- User management testing
- Security and permission testing
- Usability testing with business users
Test Scenarios:
- User creation and permission assignment
- Configuration changes and validation
- Transaction search and management
- Report generation and export
- Integration configuration and testing
- Security setting management
- Billing and subscription management
Validation Criteria:
- All administrative functions work as specified
- Role-based permissions function correctly
- Configuration changes apply correctly
- Reports generate accurate data
- User management functions work properly
- Security settings are effective
- Usability meets business user expectations
4.1.4 Regression Testing
Description: Systematic testing to ensure new features and fixes don't introduce new issues or break existing functionality.
Testing Approach:
- Automated regression test suite
- Critical path testing after changes
- Performance regression testing
- Security regression testing
- Integration regression testing
- User experience regression testing
- Cross-browser and device regression testing
Test Scenarios:
- Core payment flows after system changes
- Integration functionality after updates
- Administrative functions after changes
- Performance benchmarks after optimization
- Security controls after system updates
- User experience consistency after UI changes
Validation Criteria:
- Existing functionality continues to work as expected
- No new issues are introduced by changes
- Performance remains within specified parameters
- Security controls remain effective
- Integration points continue to function properly
- User experience remains consistent
4.2 User Acceptance
4.2.1 Business User Validation
Description: Validation that the system meets the needs of business users who will administer and manage the EchoTransact implementation.
Validation Approach:
- User acceptance testing with business stakeholders
- Task completion testing for common scenarios
- Usability testing of administrative interface
- Feedback collection and prioritization
- Beta testing with selected customers
- Training effectiveness assessment
- Post-implementation satisfaction measurement
Key Validation Areas:
- Transaction management workflows
- Configuration and setup processes
- Reporting and analytics usability
- User and role management
- Integration setup and monitoring
- Support and documentation access
- Overall administrative experience
Success Criteria:
- Business users can complete key tasks without assistance
- Administrative workflows are efficient and intuitive
- Configuration options meet business requirements
- Reporting provides actionable insights
- User management meets organizational needs
- Documentation is comprehensive and helpful
- Overall satisfaction meets target thresholds
4.2.2 Developer Validation
Description: Validation that the system meets the needs of developers implementing and integrating EchoTransact.
Validation Approach:
- Developer experience testing
- API usability testing
- Documentation comprehensiveness review
- SDK functionality testing
- Integration complexity assessment
- Error handling and debugging evaluation
- Support effectiveness testing
Key Validation Areas:
- API design and usability
- Documentation clarity and completeness
- SDK functionality and ease of use
- Sample code effectiveness
- Testing tools and sandbox environment
- Error messages and troubleshooting
- Support resources and responsiveness
Success Criteria:
- Developers can successfully implement integration
- Documentation covers all necessary aspects
- SDKs function as expected across environments
- Sample code works without modification
- Testing tools enable effective validation
- Error messages provide clear guidance
- Support resources answer common questions
4.2.3 End-User Validation
Description: Validation that the payment experience meets the needs and expectations of end customers making voice-initiated purchases.
Validation Approach:
- Usability testing with representative users
- A/B testing of different flows and interfaces
- Satisfaction surveys after transactions
- Conversion and abandonment analysis
- Time-to-completion measurement
- Error recovery observation
- Accessibility testing with diverse users
Key Validation Areas:
- First-time payment experience
- Returning user experience
- Mobile payment interface usability
- Authentication experience
- Error handling and recovery
- Performance and responsiveness
- Accessibility and inclusive design
Success Criteria:
- First-time users complete payment with minimal friction
- Returning users benefit from streamlined experience
- Mobile interface is intuitive and easy to use
- Authentication balances security and convenience
- Users can recover from errors without abandonment
- Performance meets user expectations
- Experience is accessible to users with disabilities
4.2.4 Voice AI Integration Validation
Description: Validation that the voice interaction component works effectively with the payment flow.
Validation Approach:
- Voice interaction testing with various platforms
- Natural language understanding validation
- Transition testing between voice and mobile
- Error handling in voice context
- Voice authentication testing
- Multi-turn conversation testing
- Cross-platform consistency validation
Key Validation Areas:
- Payment initiation through voice
- Mobile number collection accuracy
- Transition from voice to mobile channel
- Status updates through voice channel
- Error recovery in voice context
- Conversation resumption after payment
- Cross-platform consistency
Success Criteria:
- Voice interactions successfully initiate payment
- Mobile number collection is accurate and efficient
- Transition between channels is smooth and clear
- Status updates are timely and informative
- Errors in voice context are handled gracefully
- Conversation resumes naturally after payment
- Experience is consistent across Voice AI platforms
4.3 Performance Verification
4.3.1 Load Testing
Description: Verification that the system can handle expected and peak transaction volumes while maintaining performance.
Testing Approach:
- Simulated normal load testing
- Peak volume testing
- Sustained load testing
- Gradual scaling tests
- Spike testing
- Stress testing to identify breaking points
- Recovery testing after overload
Test Scenarios:
- Normal business hour transaction volumes
- Peak promotional period volumes
- Sustained high volume over extended periods
- Rapid volume increases (flash sales)
- Maximum capacity testing
- Geographic distribution of load
- Mixed transaction type testing
Success Criteria:
- System maintains response time requirements under expected load
- System handles peak volumes without degradation
- Performance remains stable under sustained load
- System scales appropriately with increasing demand
- System degrades gracefully at capacity limits
- System recovers quickly after overload conditions
- Resource utilization remains within expected parameters
4.3.2 Scalability Testing
Description: Verification that the system can scale to accommodate growth in users, transactions, and data volume.
Testing Approach:
- Horizontal scaling tests
- Vertical scaling tests
- Database scaling tests
- Long-term data volume simulation
- User growth simulation
- Geographic expansion testing
- Multi-tenant scaling tests
Test Scenarios:
- Gradual user base growth
- Rapid customer onboarding scenarios
- Increasing transaction volumes over time
- Growing data storage requirements
- Expansion to new geographic regions
- Addition of new business types and use cases
- Increased concurrent user testing
Success Criteria:
- System scales horizontally with additional resources
- Database performance maintains with increased data volume
- Response times remain consistent as user base grows
- Resource utilization scales linearly with load
- Cost efficiency is maintained during scaling
- No architectural bottlenecks under growth scenarios
- System can scale to 10x initial capacity
4.3.3 Reliability Testing
Description: Verification that the system maintains availability and data integrity under various failure conditions.
Testing Approach:
- Component failure testing
- Network disruption testing
- Database failover testing
- Dependency failure simulation
- Data corruption recovery testing
- Disaster recovery testing
- Chaos engineering approaches
Test Scenarios:
- Single component failure recovery
- Network partition scenarios
- Database primary failure with failover
- Third-party service outages
- Partial system degradation
- Complete regional outage
- Data center failover scenarios
Success Criteria:
- System detects failures quickly and accurately
- Automatic failover functions as designed
- No data loss during failure scenarios
- Recovery time meets RTO requirements
- Recovery point meets RPO requirements
- Degraded mode provides essential functionality
- System self-heals when possible
4.3.4 Security Performance Testing
Description: Verification that security measures don't significantly impact system performance and user experience.
Testing Approach:
- Authentication performance testing
- Encryption overhead measurement
- Security scanning impact assessment
- Fraud detection performance testing
- Security control scaling tests
- DDoS mitigation performance testing
- Compliance control performance impact
Test Scenarios:
- Authentication under high concurrency
- Encryption performance with large data volumes
- Real-time fraud detection at scale
- Security logging impact on performance
- Compliance controls under peak load
- DDoS protection under attack conditions
- Security monitoring at scale
Success Criteria:
- Authentication completes within performance requirements
- Encryption adds minimal overhead to transactions
- Fraud detection operates in real-time without delays
- Security controls scale with overall system
- Compliance requirements don't significantly impact performance
- DDoS protection maintains service availability
- Security monitoring has minimal performance impact
4.4 Compliance Verification
4.4.1 Payment Industry Compliance
Description: Verification that the system meets all payment industry regulations and standards.
Verification Approach:
- PCI DSS compliance assessment
- Card network regulation compliance
- Payment processor requirement verification
- Industry security standard verification
- Third-party compliance audits
- Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment
- Compliance documentation review
Key Compliance Areas:
- PCI DSS requirements
- Card network rules (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
- Payment processor requirements
- Tokenization standards
- Data security requirements
- Authentication standards
- Fraud prevention requirements
Success Criteria:
- System achieves PCI DSS Level 1 certification
- All card network regulations are satisfied
- Payment processor requirements are met
- Security controls meet or exceed industry standards
- Penetration testing reveals no critical vulnerabilities
- Compliance documentation is complete and accurate
- Ongoing compliance monitoring is in place
4.4.2 Data Privacy Compliance
Description: Verification that the system meets data privacy regulations across operating regions.
Verification Approach:
- GDPR compliance verification
- CCPA/CPRA compliance verification
- Regional privacy law assessment
- Privacy impact assessment
- Data mapping and inventory verification
- Consent management verification
- Data subject rights process testing
Key Compliance Areas:
- Data minimization and purpose limitation
- Lawful basis for processing
- Consent management
- Data subject rights (access, deletion, etc.)
- Data protection measures
- Cross-border data transfer
- Privacy notice requirements
Success Criteria:
- System complies with GDPR requirements
- System complies with CCPA/CPRA requirements
- Regional privacy laws are addressed
- Data minimization principles are implemented
- Consent is properly captured and managed
- Data subject rights are fully supported
- Privacy notices are complete and accurate
4.4.3 Accessibility Compliance
Description: Verification that the system meets accessibility standards and regulations.
Verification Approach:
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance testing
- ADA compliance verification
- Screen reader compatibility testing
- Keyboard navigation testing
- Color contrast and visual design review
- Mobile accessibility testing
- User testing with individuals with disabilities
Key Compliance Areas:
- Perceivable content requirements
- Operable interface elements
- Understandable information and operation
- Robust content and compatibility
- Mobile accessibility
- Form accessibility
- Error identification and recovery
Success Criteria:
- System meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards
- ADA compliance requirements are satisfied
- Screen readers can navigate all interfaces
- Keyboard navigation works for all functions
- Color contrast meets accessibility requirements
- Mobile interfaces are accessible
- Users with disabilities can complete all critical tasks
4.4.4 Voice Commerce Compliance
Description: Verification that the system meets emerging regulations and best practices specific to voice commerce.
Verification Approach:
- Voice authentication compliance review
- Voice data handling assessment
- Voice commerce disclosure verification
- Emerging regulatory tracking
- Industry best practice assessment
- Voice accessibility verification
- Voice privacy control verification
Key Compliance Areas:
- Voice data protection
- Voice authentication standards
- Disclosure requirements
- Consent for voice interactions
- Voice accessibility
- Child protection in voice commerce
- Voice privacy controls
Success Criteria:
- Voice data is properly protected
- Voice authentication meets security standards
- Disclosures are clear and compliant
- Consent is properly obtained for voice interactions
- Voice interfaces are accessible
- Child protection measures are implemented
- Voice privacy controls meet regulatory requirements
5. Implementation Considerations
5.1 Technical Architecture
EchoTransact will be built on a microservices architecture to enable scalability, resilience, and independent service evolution. The system will consist of the following core services:
- Payment Orchestration Service: Manages the end-to-end payment flow across channels
- Authentication Service: Handles user verification and security
- Transaction Processing Service: Interfaces with payment processors
- Integration Service: Manages connections to Voice AI and commerce systems
- Customer Profile Service: Manages customer data and preferences
- Analytics Service: Collects and processes usage and performance data
- Admin Service: Supports administrative functions and configuration
This architecture will be deployed on a cloud infrastructure with multi-region availability to ensure global performance and reliability.
5.2 Security Considerations
Security is paramount for EchoTransact and will be implemented through:
- Defense in Depth: Multiple layers of security controls
- Zero Trust Architecture: Verification of all requests regardless of source
- End-to-End Encryption: Protection of data in transit and at rest
- Tokenization: Replacing sensitive data with non-sensitive equivalents
- Continuous Security Testing: Regular penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
- Fraud Monitoring: Real-time transaction analysis for suspicious patterns
- Secure Development Practices: Security integrated throughout the development lifecycle
The system will maintain PCI DSS Level 1 compliance and implement additional security measures specific to voice commerce challenges.
5.3 Development Approach
Development will follow these principles:
- Agile Methodology: Iterative development with 2-week sprints
- API-First Design: Defining stable APIs before implementation
- Test-Driven Development: Comprehensive testing throughout development
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment: Automated build, test, and deployment
- Feature Flagging: Controlled rollout of new capabilities
- Observability: Comprehensive logging, monitoring, and alerting
- Documentation-as-Code: API and developer documentation maintained alongside code
The development roadmap will prioritize core payment functionality first, followed by enhanced features and optimizations.
5.4 Rollout Strategy
EchoTransact will be rolled out in phases:
- Private Alpha: Limited release to 3-5 strategic partners for initial validation
- Public Beta: Expanded access with core functionality for early adopters
- General Availability: Full release with complete feature set
- Continuous Enhancement: Regular updates and new features based on market feedback
Each phase will include comprehensive monitoring, feedback collection, and performance optimization before proceeding to the next phase.
5.5 Integration Partners
Initial integration efforts will focus on:
- Voice AI Platforms: Google Dialogflow, Amazon Lex, IBM Watson, Microsoft Bot Framework
- E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
- Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, Braintree
- Identity Verification: Jumio, Onfido, IDology, Trulioo
Partnership agreements and technical integration work will begin in parallel with core product development.
5.6 Operational Readiness
Operational considerations include:
- Monitoring Infrastructure: Comprehensive system and performance monitoring
- Support Readiness: Training and tools for customer support team
- Documentation: Complete internal and external documentation
- Incident Response: Defined procedures for handling outages or security incidents
- Capacity Planning: Regular forecasting and infrastructure scaling
- Compliance Monitoring: Ongoing verification of regulatory compliance
- Performance Optimization: Continuous improvement of system performance
Operational readiness will be verified before each release phase to ensure quality customer experience.
6. Conclusion
EchoTransact's voice commerce payment infrastructure addresses the critical gap between conversational commerce and secure transaction processing. By providing a purpose-built solution that maintains conversational flow while ensuring transaction security, EchoTransact will enable businesses to fully monetize their voice channels in the rapidly expanding Voice AI market.
The product requirements outlined in this document provide a comprehensive framework for developing a solution that meets the needs of businesses implementing Voice AI, developers integrating payment capabilities, and end users seeking convenient and secure voice-initiated purchasing experiences.
As voice interfaces continue their rapid adoption across industries, EchoTransact is positioned to become the essential infrastructure that powers the future of voice commerce.
Version: 1.0.0
Created: October 15, 2025
-
Executive Summary
Vanka clearly articulates your idea in a way that enables the entire business strategy & planning foundation to be expertly prepared.
-
User Journey
Everything customers experience from the moment they learn about you, to their first use of your product, to evangelizing your product.
-
Brand Strategy
The foundation for how you show up in the world. It determines whether you are memorable, trusted, and ultimately chosen.
-
Business Analysis
Expert analysis of your business idea, to help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
-
Visual Identity System
Establishes comprehensive branding guidelines, defining visual elements & their consistent application.
-
Product Requirements
Defines what a product should do in a way that guides product development teams.
-
Technical Architecture
Defines system structure, technologies, data flow, etc to guide engineering implementation and ensure scalability.
-
Component Library
Catalogs reusable UI elements with usage guidelines, specs, code examples to ensure consistent interface design across products.
-
UI Spec
Details interface layout, interactions, styling, behavior for specific screens or features to guide design implementation.
-
UX Flow Diagram
Visually maps user journeys through a product, showing screens, decision points, interactions to clarify navigation and experience.
-
Low-Fi Mockups
Quick, simple sketches of interface layouts to explore concepts, test ideas, and gather early feedback before detailed design.