Creating An Effective Feature User Story
One of the most critical challenges in software development is learning how to effectively convey how a particular feature will provide value to the customer. In an agile environment, this challenge is overcome through the use of a tool called a user story.
What is a user story?
User stories are short, clear descriptions of a feature told from the perspective of the end user. They typically follow a simple format:
“As a < role or user type >, I want to < some action > so that I can < end result / objective >.”
An effectively crafted user story can shift the focus to highlighting the true value or impact of a feature, instead of describing the feature itself.
Why do we use user stories?
A clear description of the functionality of a feature and/or product is beneficial to both developers and customers.
Developers rely on effectively written user stories to understand their short-term programming objectives. An understanding of the desired outcome(s) of a feature helps developers visualize the scope of a particular task. Further, the user story approach enables developers to have more stakeholder focused discussions.
Customers also indirectly benefit from user stories because they are a great way to ensure features are built for their intended purpose.
How do you create a clear user story?
There are many ways to write a clear user story. Here is a commonly used framework for crafting a user story that clearly defines the requirements of a feature:
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Understand who the end user is
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Consider the functionality requirements of the end user
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Think of the reason(s) why the user needs the feature being described
Consider the following example of a user story detailing a share button on a (fictitious) social network application, called WeShare:
“As an app user I want to share important stories, so that my friends and family can discover and comment on these stories.”
This example has all of the basic elements of a simple, clear user story that effectively conveys the purpose of a specific feature.
Consider yet another example of a user story for a product search feature on a grocery store’s website:
“As an online customer, I want to search for products, so that I can find the ones that I want to buy.”
This example also has the basic components of a clear user story.
Conclusion
A properly crafted user story allows you to quickly and clearly communicate a feature, or product’s, requirements. They can seem a bit confusing to write at first, but with practice, this essential agile tool will become second nature to you.