How to write User Stories?
User story is a brief description of a feature or functionality from the user's perspective.
Duration
Complexity
Contributors
Product manager, UX designer, Design manager
Getting Started
User stories are a good way to describe the user’s needs. Typically, they include a brief description of a user’s goal or problem, the context in which the user will interact with the product, and the desired outcome or benefit.
Format for defining a user story
“As a [user], I want to [goal or action] so that [outcome or reason].”
By creating user stories, product designers can gain insights into the user's motivation, behavior, and pain points, and use this information to inform the design of the product. User stories also help to ensure that the product design process remains user-centered and that the end product meets the needs of its target users.
How to?
-
Identify the user: Begin by identifying the type of user who will be using the product. This could be a persona, a customer segment, or a specific individual.
-
Define the goal: Describe what the user wants to achieve or what problem they are trying to solve with the product.
-
Specify the context: Identify the context in which the user will interact with the product. This could include the user’s environment, their device or platform, or any other relevant factors.
-
Coverage: Map out the usage lifecycle of the product or service. Divide the lifecycle into logical groups and call it an epic.
-
List the activities: List out activities that users could do in each of the epics. Write each activity as a user story from the user's perspective. Each story lets the user achieve a goal.
-
Describe the outcome: Specify the desired outcome or benefit that the user expects to achieve by using the product.
-
Finalize: Review the stories with key stakeholders and finalize all the user stories. Share user stories with stakeholders.
-
Prioritize the user stories: Plan which user stories are in the scope of immediate work. Create a working roadmap. Use the stories for starting ideation and design.
Do’s & Don'ts
|
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
|
Templates
-
Free Downloadable User Story Templates from Smartsheet
Suggested Tools
-
Google Docs
-
Office365
References
Mapping User Stories in Agile from NN Group
User Stories from IxDF
User Stories: A Foundation for UI Design from UXBooth
How to write meaningful user stories from UX Collective
17 User story examples for when the ink runs dry from JustInMind
It’s All About UX Through User Story Mapping from Stories Onboard
Other Related Best Practices
-
Basics of User Research
-
How to Conduct a Prioritization Workshop
-
How to go about Wireframing