Online Shopping System Requirements

Introduction
The online shopping system is designed to provide a seamless and efficient platform for
consumers to browse, select, and purchase products from various vendors. Its primary
purpose is to enhance the shopping experience by offering convenience, variety, and
accessibility, enabling users to shop from the comfort of their homes or on the go.

Purpose and Target Audience

This system targets a diverse audience, including individual consumers, small
businesses, and large enterprises involved in e-commerce. By catering to these groups,
the platform aims to facilitate transactions that are not only user-friendly but also secure
and reliable.

Document Overview
This document serves as a comprehensive guide to outline and define the software
requirements for the online shopping platform. It will detail both functional and non-
functional requirements, ensuring that the system meets the needs of its users while
adhering to industry standards. Additionally, it will provide crucial specifications for user
interfaces, data handling protocols, and performance criteria, thereby guiding
developers and project managers throughout the development process. By establishing
clear requirements, this document aims to foster effective communication among
stakeholders and streamline the implementation of the online shopping system.

Scope of the Project

The scope of the online shopping platform project encompasses a wide range of
features and functionalities designed to meet the needs of both consumers and
vendors.

Features Included
• User Registration and Authentication: Allow users to create accounts and log
in securely.
• Product Catalog: Display a comprehensive list of products with detailed
descriptions, images, and pricing information.
• Shopping Cart: Enable users to add, remove, and review items before finalizing
their purchases.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Support multiple payment methods, including
credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
 • Order Management: Provide users with the ability to track their orders and view
order history.
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: Allow customers to leave feedback on
products to assist other shoppers in making informed decisions.
• Vendor Dashboard: Equip vendors with tools to manage inventory, view sales
data, and process orders.

Features Excluded
• Physical Store Integration: The platform will not include features for managing
physical retail locations.
• Custom Product Design: The ability to create custom products by users will not
be part of the initial launch.
• Third-party Marketplace Support: Integration with other online marketplaces
will be excluded in the first phase.

Limitations and Constraints

• Budgetary Constraints: The project is subject to financial limitations that may
affect feature implementation and timeline.
• Technical Limitations: Existing infrastructure may restrict the integration of
certain advanced functionalities during the initial development phase.

Assumptions
• Users will have access to the internet and basic technical skills to navigate the
online platform.
• Vendors will possess the necessary resources to manage their digital presence
effectively.
This section outlines the foundational aspects of the online shopping system, setting
clear expectations for all stakeholders involved in the project.

Functional Requirements
The functional requirements of the online shopping platform define the essential
features and capabilities that must be implemented to ensure a smooth and efficient
user experience. These requirements encompass various user roles, processes, and
functionalities crucial for both consumers and vendors. Below is a detailed enumeration
of the system's functional requirements.

User Roles
1. Customer:

– Ability to browse products.

– Create and manage an account.
– Add products to the shopping cart.
 – Place orders and process payments.
– Leave reviews and ratings for purchased products.
2. Vendor:

– Manage inventory, including adding, updating, or removing products.

– Access sales data and analytics.
– Process and fulfill customer orders.
– Respond to customer reviews and queries.
3. Admin:

– Oversee user accounts and manage user roles.

– Monitor platform activity and ensure compliance with policies.
– Manage product listings across the platform.
– Generate reports on sales, user activity, and system performance.

User Registration and Login Processes

• Account Creation:

– Users must provide essential information such as name, email address,

and password to create an account.
– Email verification is required to activate the account.
• Login Authentication:

– Users can log in using their registered email and password.

– The system should provide options for password recovery and reset.
• Session Management:

– The system must maintain user sessions securely, allowing users to stay
logged in based on their preferences.

Product Search and Filtering

• Search Functionality:

– Users should be able to search for products using keywords, categories,

or tags.
• Filtering Options:

– Users can filter search results based on various criteria, including:

• Price range
• Brand
• Ratings
• Availability
• Sorting Options:
 – Users can sort products by relevance, price (low to high or high to low),
and newest arrivals.

Shopping Cart Functionality

• Cart Management:

– Users can add products to the shopping cart, adjust quantities, or remove
items.
– The system should display the total cost, including taxes and shipping
fees.
• Persistent Cart:

– The shopping cart should retain items even after the user logs out, as long
as they return within a specified timeframe.

Order Placement
• Checkout Process:

– Users can review their cart and proceed to checkout.

– The system must collect shipping information and provide delivery options.
• Order Confirmation:

– Once an order is placed, users receive an email confirmation with order

details and estimated delivery dates.

Payment Processing
• Integration with Payment Gateways:

– The system must support multiple payment options, including credit cards,
PayPal, and other digital wallets.
• Secure Transactions:

– All payment processing must adhere to industry-standard security

protocols to protect user information.
• Transaction History:

– Users should be able to view their past transactions and download

invoices for their records.

User Account Management

• Profile Management:

– Users can update personal information, including email, password, and

shipping address.
• Order History:
 – Users should be able to view their past orders, including details such as
order status and tracking information.
• Wishlist Functionality:

– Users can save products to a wishlist for future reference or purchase.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

• Feedback Submission:

– Customers should be able to leave reviews and rate products they have
purchased.
• Review Moderation:

– The system should allow admins to moderate reviews to prevent

inappropriate content.

Notification System
• Email Notifications:

– Users receive notifications for order confirmations, shipping updates, and

promotional offers.
• In-App Notifications:

– Users can receive alerts related to their accounts, such as password

changes or new product arrivals.

Summary of Functional Requirements

Requirement Category Key Functionalities
User Roles Customer, Vendor, Admin
Registration & Login Account creation, login
authentication, session
management
Product Search & Filtering Search functionality, filtering and
sorting options
Shopping Cart Cart management, persistent cart
Order Placement Checkout process, order
confirmation
Payment Processing Payment gateway integration,
secure transactions
User Account Management Profile management, order history,
wishlist functionality
Customer Reviews Feedback submission, review
moderation
 Requirement Category Key Functionalities
Notification System Email and in-app notifications

This detailed outline of functional requirements serves as a foundation for the design
and development of the online shopping platform, ensuring that all essential features
are accounted for and prioritized in the project implementation.

Non-Functional Requirements
Non-functional requirements are critical to ensuring that the online shopping platform
not only functions correctly but also provides a high-quality user experience. These
requirements encompass various attributes such as performance, security, usability,
reliability, and maintainability. Below, we detail each of these aspects and their impact
on user experience.

Performance
• Response Time: The system should ensure that page loads and transactions
are completed within 2 seconds under normal load conditions. This rapid
responsiveness is vital for retaining user engagement and reducing
abandonment rates during shopping.
• Scalability: The platform must handle up to 10,000 concurrent users, allowing
for spikes in traffic during sales or peak shopping seasons. Implementing load
balancing and efficient database queries will be crucial here.
• Throughput: The system should support processing at least 100 transactions
per second, ensuring smooth operations during heavy traffic periods.

Security
• Data Protection: All user data, including payment information, should be
encrypted using industry-standard protocols (e.g., AES-256). This encryption
safeguards sensitive information, building user trust in the platform.
• Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be implemented to
enhance security during user login processes. This measure protects against
unauthorized access, especially for vendors managing their inventory.
• Vulnerability Management: Regular security audits and updates must be
performed to identify and rectify vulnerabilities, ensuring continued protection
against emerging threats.

Usability
• User Interface Design: The platform should employ intuitive navigation and a
clean layout, ensuring that users can easily find products and complete
purchases. Consistent design elements help reduce user confusion and improve
overall satisfaction.
 • Accessibility: The system must adhere to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines) to ensure that users with disabilities can navigate and utilize the
platform effectively.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Given the increasing use of mobile devices for
shopping, the platform must provide a seamless experience across various
screen sizes and devices.

Reliability
• Uptime: The system should maintain an uptime of 99.9%, minimizing downtime
and ensuring that users can access the platform at any time. This commitment
enhances user trust and loyalty.
• Error Handling: Clear and informative error messages should be provided when
issues arise, guiding users on how to resolve problems without frustration.
• Backup Procedures: Regular backups of data must be performed to prevent
data loss in case of system failures, ensuring business continuity and user data
integrity.

Maintainability
• Code Quality: The system should follow best practices in coding standards to
facilitate easy maintenance and updates. Clean, well-documented code can
significantly reduce the time required for future enhancements.
• Modular Architecture: Implementing a modular design allows for isolated
updates or changes to specific components without affecting the entire system,
promoting flexibility in ongoing development.
• Monitoring and Logging: Robust logging mechanisms should be in place to
monitor system performance and user behavior, providing insights for
troubleshooting and future improvements.

Impact on User Experience

The outlined non-functional requirements are essential for creating a robust online
shopping platform that meets user expectations. By focusing on performance, security,
usability, reliability, and maintainability, the system aims to provide a positive shopping
experience that encourages repeat visits and fosters customer loyalty. Each
requirement contributes directly to user satisfaction, ultimately determining the
platform's success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

User Interface Design

The user interface (UI) design of the online shopping platform is paramount in
facilitating a positive user experience. This section outlines the basic principles to be
applied, highlighting how layout, color schemes, and navigation will enhance
accessibility and usability.
Basic Principles of UI Design
1. Consistency:

– The platform will employ a standardized layout across all pages. This
includes uniform button styles, font choices, and navigation menus,
enabling users to intuitively navigate the site without confusion.
2. Simplicity:

– A clean and uncluttered interface will be prioritized. Essential features will

be emphasized while unnecessary elements will be minimized, allowing
users to focus on their shopping experience without distractions.
3. Feedback:

– The UI will provide immediate feedback on user actions. For example,

when a user adds an item to the cart, a notification will confirm the action,
enhancing the sense of control and engagement.

Layout and Design Elements

• Grid Layout:

– A responsive grid layout will be utilized to ensure that products are

displayed in a visually appealing manner across different devices. This
flexibility will accommodate various screen sizes, from desktops to mobile
devices.
• Color Schemes:

– The color palette will consist of soft, inviting colors that evoke trust and
comfort, such as blues and greens. Accents in brighter colors will be used
sparingly to draw attention to calls to action, such as "Add to Cart"
buttons.

Navigation
• Intuitive Menu Structure:

– The navigation menu will include clear categories and subcategories for
easy access to different product types. A search bar will also be
prominently placed to allow users to quickly find specific items.
• Breadcrumb Trails:

– Breadcrumb navigation will be implemented to help users trace their steps

back through the site hierarchy. This feature enhances usability by
providing context and simplifying navigation.
• Accessibility Features:

– Adhering to WCAG guidelines, the design will accommodate users with

disabilities. This includes features like keyboard navigability, screen
reader support, and high-contrast color options to ensure inclusivity.
Enhancing User Experience
By integrating these design principles, the online shopping platform will create an
engaging and efficient user experience. A well-thought-out UI not only attracts users but
also encourages them to explore and complete transactions seamlessly, ultimately
boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

System Architecture
The architecture of the online shopping platform is designed to facilitate efficient
interactions between various system components, ensuring smooth operations for users
and vendors. This section presents a high-level overview of the system architecture,
including the client-side and server-side interactions, database management, and third-
party services integration.

High-Level Architecture Diagram

+----------------+ +-------------------+ +-----------------+
| | | | | |
| Client Side | <--> | Application | <--> | Database |
| | | Server | | |
+----------------+ +-------------------+ +-----------------+
| |
| |
v v
+----------------+ +-------------------+
| User Device | | Third-Party |
| (Web/Mobile App)| | Services (e.g., |
| | | Payment Gateway) |
+----------------+ +-------------------+

Client-Side Components
1. User Interface (UI):

– The front-end component developed using frameworks like React or

Angular, providing an interactive user experience.
– Implements responsive design to ensure accessibility across various
devices.
2. User Device:

– Users can access the platform via web browsers or mobile applications,
allowing for a flexible shopping experience.
– Client-side scripting enhances page load times and interactivity, improving
user engagement.

Server-Side Components
1. Application Server:
 – Handles business logic, user authentication, and data processing
requests.
– Built with scalable frameworks (e.g., Node.js, Django) to ensure efficient
performance under load.
2. API and Microservices:

– RESTful APIs facilitate communication between the client-side and server-

side, enabling modular development and integration.
– Microservices architecture allows independent deployment and scaling of
individual functionalities (e.g., user management, order processing).

Database Management
1. Database System:

– A relational database (e.g., PostgreSQL or MySQL) is utilized to manage

structured data, including user profiles, product inventories, and
transaction records.
– NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB) can be integrated for handling
unstructured data, such as customer reviews.
2. Data Handling Protocols:

– Secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS) ensure safe data transmission between

the client and server.
– Regular backups and data encryption safeguard against data loss and
breaches.

Third-Party Services
• Payment Gateway Integration:

– The platform integrates with various payment services (e.g., Stripe,

PayPal) to facilitate secure payment processing.
– Ensures compliance with PCI DSS to protect user financial information.
• Shipping and Logistics:

– Integration with logistics providers for real-time shipping options and

tracking capabilities enhances user satisfaction.
• Analytics and Monitoring:

– Utilizes third-party analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to track user

behavior and improve the platform based on insights gathered.
This high-level architecture ensures that the online shopping platform is robust,
scalable, and user-friendly, accommodating the needs of both consumers and vendors
effectively. Each component is carefully designed to work together, promoting seamless
interactions and efficient data handling throughout the shopping process.
Testing Requirements
The testing phase is crucial for ensuring that the online shopping platform operates as
intended and meets the outlined requirements. This section details the types of testing
necessary, along with the tools and environments to be utilized.

Types of Testing
1. Unit Testing:

– Focuses on individual components or functions of the application to verify

that each unit behaves as expected.
– Tools: JUnit for Java applications, Jest for JavaScript, and pytest for
Python.
2. Integration Testing:

– Ensures that different modules of the application work together

seamlessly. This testing checks for interface defects and data flow
between modules.
– Tools: Postman for API testing and Selenium for end-to-end integration
testing.
3. Acceptance Testing:

– Conducted to determine whether the system meets the acceptance criteria

defined by stakeholders. This testing validates the end-to-end business
flow.
– Tools: Cucumber for behavior-driven development (BDD) and TestRail
for managing test cases and results.
4. Performance Testing:

– Assesses the system's responsiveness, scalability, and stability under

varying load conditions to ensure it can handle expected user traffic.
– Tools: Apache JMeter for load testing and Gatling for performance
monitoring.

Testing Environments
• Development Environment: Used for unit and integration testing, ensuring that
developers can test code in an isolated setting before merging with the main
codebase.
• Staging Environment: A replica of the production environment where
acceptance and performance testing occurs. This environment simulates real-
world usage and allows for final verification before deployment.
• Production Environment: While direct testing is avoided here, smoke tests can
be performed post-deployment to confirm that critical functionalities are working
correctly.
By implementing a comprehensive testing strategy with the appropriate tools and
environments, the application will be better positioned to deliver a robust and user-
friendly online shopping experience.