zQuick Guide to
User Stories

zGeneral User Story Format
As A (role or position),
I want/need
(feature/ability)
So that I can (benefit of
feature or ability).

z
Examples
As IT security, I need to
limit access to
information so that we
can protect customer
data.
As a manager, I want to
be able to total up sales
at the end of the week
so that I can produce
my sales reports.
As an accountant, I
need access to monthly
sales data so that I can
keep track of expenses
and profits.

z
Possible Benefits of User Stories
Typically easier to
create and
understand
Helps understand
things from the
user’s
perspective
Can assist in
creating a more
collaborative
environment
Increases
transparency and
reduces risk

z
z
Make Better User Stories

z1. Include Users in Their Creation
Allow the users to tell
their story
Have a conversation
with them to gain a
better understanding
Summarize their story
hitting the major
points
Ask them to review
the summary and
work together to get it
right

z
2. Use the 3 C’s
CLEAR
Keep the intent
CLEAR
CONCISE
Keep the story
CONCISE
COMPLETE
Make the story
COMPLETE

z3. Use the 3 W’s
WHO
WHO wants it or
needs it?
WHAT
WHAT do they
want or need?
WHY
WHY do they
want or need it?

z4. Test the Story
ASK PEOPLE IF THEY UNDERSTAND
IT AND HAVE THEM EXPLAIN IT TO
YOU
RANDOM PEOPLE NOT INVOLVED
WITH THE PROJECT MAKE GOOD
TEST SUBJECTS

z5. Differentiate Between a “Want” and A “Need”
THIS CAN HELP WITH
PRIORITIZING PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT
USE “WANT” AS A DEFAULT
UNLESS YOU CAN DEFINE THE
“NEED”

z6. Include User Story
Acceptance Criteria
With the user story
there should be
acceptance criteria that
is required to
successfully complete
the task

z
7. Large
Scoped
Stories can
be
Acceptable
Progressively elaborate on the stories when you
need themElaborate
Accept that some work items will be smaller or
larger than othersAccept
Focus on “Measurable” requirementsFocus

z
8. Create a Story Map
 Layout the user stories in a logical order
 As the requirements become clearer, this can help
with prioritization and reducing the stories into smaller
stories

z9. Focus on the Minimum Requirements
WORRY ABOUT WHAT
YOU NEED FIRST
ADD IN THE FLAIR
LATER

z
z
Quick Guide to
User Stories
Joshua Render
https://agile-mercurial.com
https://agile-mercurial.com/2018/08/13/9-tips-for-writing-effective-user-stories/