A Generic Requirement Engineering Framework for Social Commerce Platforms: Front-end and Back-end Features

Social commerce (s-commerce) represents the convergence of social media and electronic commerce, where online shopping is integrated with social networking functionalities enabled by Web 2.0 technologies. As a driver of digital transformation, s-commerce continues to evolve rapidly in response to technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. Despite its growing, research addressing the systematic development of platforms that support this business model, particularly in relation to the requirements engineering (RE) process remains limited.

This study applies the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) to design and evaluate a comprehensive RE framework for s-commerce platforms. The six DSRM steps were followed: problem identification, objectives of a solution, design and development, evaluation, and communication. The framework integrates variability concept through requirements reuse. A structured knowledge base of front-end requirements, formalized with Feature Description Language (FDL) and Unified Modeling Language (UML), ensures consistency, traceability, and reusability. Evaluation was conducted through prototype artifacts developed using Visual Studio Code, Docker Desktop, and TableTools, as well as through meta-criteria assessment. Moreover, the framework was evaluated through expert's evaluation Central ofInformation System (CIS)developers from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The steps of the method were implemented and tested over a period from January 2023 to September 2025.

The framework is implemented as a web-based prototype artifact that establishes a structured process for requirements elicitation, specification, negotiation, validation, and management. It consolidates a generic set of 28 front-end and 15 back-end requirements for s-commerce platforms, demonstrating their practical use in deriving platform-specific requirements. The framework's prototype is supported by two complementary tools: generates requirements and recommends additional requirements in the knowledge base.

This study provides actionable guidance for e-commerce and s-commerce developers. By focusing on requirements that enhance economic value, strengthen customer relationships, and improve platform architecture, the framework contributes to more reliable, adaptable, and efficient s-commerce systems.