Technical Document Review Prompts

Get a plain-English summary

Summarise this technical document in plain English. What type of document is it, what project or system does it relate to, who is it for, and what is it asking me to do, approve, or understand?

Define the scope and objectives

What is the stated scope of work, project, or system described in this document? List the objectives or goals as defined, note any explicit boundaries or exclusions, and identify where the scope is formally stated.

Extract all technical requirements

What technical requirements, functional requirements, or specifications does this document state? List each one clearly, note whether it is mandatory or recommended, and identify which section it comes from. If requirements are numbered, include the reference numbers.

List deliverables and milestones

What deliverables, outputs, or milestones does this document specify? For each one, list what must be produced or achieved, who is responsible, and any deadline or condition attached to it as stated in the document.

Find standards and compliance requirements

What technical standards, codes, regulations, or compliance requirements does this document reference or require adherence to? List each one, identify whether it is mandatory or guidance, and note any specific version or edition specified.

Identify assumptions and constraints

What assumptions, dependencies, or constraints does this document state or rely on? List each one as described, note which party is responsible for each assumption holding true, and identify any constraints on how the work must be carried out.

Find acceptance criteria and sign-off conditions

What acceptance criteria, quality standards, or sign-off conditions are defined in this document? For each one, describe what must be demonstrated or measured, who has authority to approve it, and what process the document describes for formal acceptance.

Identify documented risks and issues

Based on what this document actually states, what risks, technical issues, or constraints are identified? For each one, note which part of the document records it, whether a mitigation or response is described, and which party is responsible for managing it.

Review the change control process

Does this document define a process for managing changes to scope, requirements, or design? If so, summarise how changes must be requested, assessed, approved, and recorded, and note what happens to timeline or cost when a change is agreed.

Explain defined technical terms and abbreviations

Does this document define any technical terms, abbreviations, or acronyms? List each one that is formally defined or explained in the document, state what it means as the document describes it, and identify where the definition appears.

Summarise key risks and open issues

Based only on what this document states, what are the most significant risks, open issues, or unclear requirements I should raise before work begins or continues? For each one, identify which part of the document it comes from and explain what could go wrong if it is not resolved.