What is the Difference Between an Amazon 6-Pager, BRD, & PRFAQ
What is the difference between an Amazon 6-pager, BRD, and PRFAQ? When and why are each created? #pm #product #productmanager #productmanagement #amazon #amzn #msft #microsoft #meta #facebook #apple #google #alphabet
If you work at Amazon, then you would know.
I don't, that's why I'm asking.
Why are you asking?
How do you downvote questions on Blind?
Thank you for the reply. Would you be able to address one or more of the questions?
Ask chat gpt
Good idea. Thank you. I'm still not clear on when a PRFAQ would be needed as opposed to a 6-pager when presenting a net new product or product change. Would the size of the product be the defining differentiator? For example a PRFAQ is good for something needing 2 sprints and a 6-pager for something needing 6 months or more of work? Would you change anything GPT4 said below? Could you add when they are created? 6-Pager: The 6-pager is a narrative-style document used at Amazon to propose new ideas or provide updates on existing projects. It's designed to be a detailed yet succinct six-page memo that includes the context, the problem statement, detailed descriptions of the proposal or project, data to support the proposal, and the proposed solution. The format encourages deep thinking and clarity, as it requires the author to fully develop their ideas and anticipate questions. This document is typically read and discussed in meetings in silence for the first part of the meeting, ensuring everyone fully understands the content before discussing it. Business Requirements Document (BRD): A BRD at Amazon outlines the business rationale and requirements for a new product, feature, or update. It focuses on what the product or feature is supposed to do, the business case, and the high-level requirements to be satisfied. Unlike the 6-pager, which is more narrative and detailed in exploring a problem or proposal deeply, the BRD is more structured around specific business needs and requirements, often used in the context of software development and product management. Press Release and Frequently Asked Questions (PRFAQ): The PRFAQ starts with a hypothetical future press release announcing a finished product. This document is intended to articulate the customer benefits of the proposed product in a clear, compelling way that could be understood by consumers. The FAQs follow the press release and are designed to address potential questions from all stakeholders, including customers, partners, and internal teams. This part helps in identifying potential issues and refining the product concept even before any development starts.
Prfaq: to pitch a new idea, product, feature to leadership. Most of the time required to get funding. Example: we want to launch X and need Y headcount 6 pager: a deep dive into into a recommendation most of the time for large decisions that impact multiple teams. Example: we want to change out our backend system because of x,y,x benefits. Think about enterprise resource planning systems, CRM systems, etc. does not have to be limited to tech
Lots of sass in the comment, here's a useful answer: few teams use the full array of docs, each vertical tends to have preferences. I have never written a PRFAQ, but I write 6-pagers very regularly. Any situation where two types of docs might be a fit, go for the one most typical in your org.
You just need to join the cult. That is the only way you can truly understand. But quickly - PRFAQ is one of the first document written for a project. You start with the end in mind, imagining what the launch of the product will say - what it does, what it's value is, what customer say about it, etc BRD / PRD are used through the development process to define requirements. 6 pagers are used for, well, everything. It is a format of a document rather than a specific document. You will write one to get approval to go to the bathroom (and only approved once all your punctuation is correct, it has been reviewed at minimum of 7 times, and the L8 approves it).
Well, let’s just say if you write either, a 6 pager or a PRFAQ, very quickly you’ll realize where the micromanagement culture of Amazon came into being. They’ll literally take each word and throw it in the trash by saying ‘weasel word’ and what not. They say it’s a Day 1 company with a freakin legacy culture set in the 90s. 🤣
So much this. Also include at least 2 numbers every three words. Or else.
Oh so it’s not just here…
PRFAQs are for leadership to fuck with you. BRDs are for your team to fuck with you. 6 pagers are for you to be fucked 6 pages long.
Why r u guys always so toxic here - writing in amazon is one of the best part still remaining at amzn
^^L7 spotted who likes to rip papers apart rather than write them. 🤣
OP1
Wrong answers only?
Thank you for the response. Would you be able to address the question?
You’re welcome. No one here owes you anything.