A user story is a description of a software feature from the perspective of the end user, written in plain, non-technical language. The format is simple: "As a [persona], I want [software goal], so that [result]."
The term "end user" isn't limited to external customers, it can include internal stakeholders who'll benefit from the feature.
Writing Effective User Stories
Most user stories I came accorss suck. To write ones that don't suck, you need to start with a clear understanding of who your users are. Define their personas based on real demographics and behaviors. Build features that solve their problems and help them achieve goals. Focus on their intent, not on the tech jargon.
The INVEST Criteria
Effective user stories need to follow the INVEST↗ principles:
Independent: Stories should stand on their own, without depending on others. Independence equals flexibility.
Valuable: Deliver something that actually matters to the user. Not just a checkbox feature.
Estimable: Write stories detailed enough to estimate time and effort. Vague stories are trash.
Small: Break down your stories into chunks that fit into a single sprint. If it's too big, it's not a story, it's a mess.
Negotiable: Requirements will evolve. Don't cling to your first draft like it's sacred scripture.
Testable: Write stories in a way that their success can be objectively verified. More on this later.
Fixing Common Mistakes in User Stories
Use Consistent Language: Establish a glossary early in the project to define terms consistently and ensure clarity across all stakeholders
Focus on User Goals: Understand the underlying user intent behind each story. Consult real users or representatives to refine requirements accurately.
Remove Technical Details If not needed: Separate user goals from implementation specifics to maintain relevance and flexibility. Should the user get notified by Kafka or a webhook? Does it really matter? The user just wants to get notified, using either technology won't matter, in the end. But will it matter for the user if they receive the notification through email or other means? Yes.
Clarifying Roles: Yes, it's called User Story but, not everyone is a user. Tailor user stories to specific user roles (e.g., manager, admin, architect, group leader?↗) to ensure features meet diverse user needs.
Good and Bad User Story Examples
You might find these ones in the wild
Bad Examples
#1: As a user, I want a button on the homepage.
- > Problem: This user story lacks context, purpose, and specific user intent.
#2: As a developer, I want to refactor the codebase.
- > Problem: Focuses solely on the developer's task, missing value or outcome.
#3: As a manager, I want reports.
- > Problem: Doesn't specify the purpose or value of the reports for the user. These reports can literally be about anything.
#1: As a first time website visitor, I want the landing page to be fast.
- > Problem: Vague and lacks clarity on the specific performance improvement needed. How can "fast" be tested? Is there a concrete metric? Is it fast on a Mac? Or an old android? How many milliseconds should it take to be considered "fast"?
Good Examples
#1: As a registered user, I want to reset my password via email verification if forgot it, so that I can regain access to my account.
- > Persona: Registered User.
- > Needs: Password reset functionality.
- > Purpose: Account security and user autonomy.
#1: As a customer, I want to receive email notifications for order updates, so that I can track the status of my purchases conveniently.
- > Persona: Customer.
- > Needs: Order status update.
- > Purpose: Enhanced customer experience and order management.
#1: As a project manager, I want a web dashboard displaying real-time project milestones and tickets completion, so that I can monitor project progress to make informed decisions.
- > Persona: Project Manager
- > Needs: Real-time project metrics
- > Purpose: Improved project visibility and decision-making
Testability
Rewrite user stories using Behavior-Driven Development (BDD↗) format, such as Gherkin↗ syntax, so you can directly map these stories to executable tests, and ensure that the software meets the specified requirements and behaviors.
Gherkin Syntax
This is how to write user stories in Gherkin syntax
Example 1: Password Reset Feature
"As a registered user, I want to reset my password via email verification, so that I can regain access to my account securely." Can be written as
Feature: Password Reset
Scenario: User resets password via email verification
Given I am a registered user
And I have forgotten my password
When I request a password reset via email
Then I should receive an email with a password reset link
And I click on the password reset link
And I set a new password
Then I should be able to log in with my new password
You see how better it gets? Here's another one
Example 2: Order Status Notifications
"As a customer, I want to receive email notifications for order updates, so that I can track the status of my purchases conveniently." Can be written as
Feature: Order Status Notifications
Scenario: Customer receives email notification for order updates
Given I am a customer with pending orders
When an order status changes (shipped, delivered)
Then I should receive an email notification with the updated status
And I can click on the email to view detailed order information
Ranking User Stories
Once you've nailed down your user stories, prioritize them. Use frameworks like MoSCoW↗ (Must, Should, Could, Won't). I use this method in my projects. It's simple and effective.