Define Interaction Scenarios

Leverage tools like the API Design with Requests and Responses Canvas:

• Document realistic scenarios where your API will be used.
• Define the consumer's requests, including:some text
  • Expected payloads, headers, and supported HTTP verbs.
• Describe the API provider's responses, covering status codes, data payloads, and error handling.
• Validate these scenarios with API consumers and identify any gaps.

For asynchronous APIs, use the API Design with Events and Hooks Canvas:

• Specify event subscriptions (e.g., how consumers subscribe).
• Outline how events will flow, including:some text
  • Event triggers and message payloads.
  • Feedback loops for event acknowledgment or error handling.
    

Prioritize for MVP API Contract

Map the API design to business goals, focusing on essential functionalities for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for your API contact i.e. the technical interface design using standards such as OpenAPI or AsyncAPI:

• Ensure the API aligns with previously defined consumer segments and use cases.
• Integrate constraints from the API Platform Architecture station, such as:some text
  • Latency limits, data formats, or security protocols.
• Use iterative feedback loops to refine and finalize designs.
• Create the API contract using your organization’s style guide, such as the OpenAPI standard. Check out our example style guide.