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14.2.3 - N - Negotiable

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Understanding User Stories

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's begin with the foundation of our discussion: What is a user story? A user story is a brief description of a feature from the end user's perspective. It typically follows the structure: As a [type of user], I want [goal], so that [benefit]. Can anyone provide an example?

Student 1
Student 1

As a job seeker, I want to upload my resume, so I can apply for jobs quickly!

Student 2
Student 2

What’s the purpose of using this format?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! This format focuses on the user's needs and the benefits they seek, making it easier for developers to understand what to build. Remember, clarity is key!

INVEST Criteria

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's cover the INVEST criteria—an acronym that helps ensure quality user stories. Who knows what it stands for?

Student 3
Student 3

Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable!

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! Each component is crucial. For example, a user story should be independent to avoid blockers during development. Can anyone think about how we can make a user story negotiable?

Student 4
Student 4

Maybe by treating it as a starting point for discussion rather than a final requirement?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It encourages collaboration and flexibility.

Acceptance Criteria and Gherkin Language

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s move to acceptance criteria. They define what success looks like for a user story. How specific do you think we should be?

Student 1
Student 1

They should be very specific to avoid ambiguity, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! And to write clear acceptance criteria, we can use Gherkin language. It uses a simple Given-When-Then format. Can anyone provide a sample scenario?

Student 2
Student 2

Like, Given the user is on the login page, When they click 'Forgot Password', Then they should receive an email?

Teacher
Teacher

Great job! That illustrates how Gherkin helps express user interactions clearly.

Tips for Writing Effective User Stories

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Teacher
Teacher

To conclude our sessions, let’s discuss some practical tips. What’s one way you think we can improve our user stories?

Student 3
Student 3

By collaborating with stakeholders to ensure everyone’s on the same page?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Collaboration fosters clarity. Remember to visualize stories with wireframes if they impact the UI. What else?

Student 4
Student 4

Prioritize them based on business value!

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Prioritization ensures the most valuable features are developed first. Always include a Definition of Ready checklist before adding stories to sprints. This ensures quality.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

In Agile projects, writing effective user stories is essential to convey functional requirements, focusing on clarity and testability.

Standard

This section discusses the importance of user stories in Agile development, highlighting the INVEST criteria for quality user stories, acceptance criteria, Gherkin language for writing acceptance tests, and tips for improving user story writing.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

In Agile development, user stories serve as vital tools for expressing functional requirements from the end user's perspective. A user story captures the need and goal of a user in a straightforward format: As a [type of user], I want [goal], So that [reason/benefit].

INVEST Criteria

To ensure user stories are effective, they should adhere to the INVEST acronym:
- Independent: The story should be deliverable without dependencies.
- Negotiable: It is a starting point for discussions rather than a fixed contract.
- Valuable: It should deliver value to the user or customer.
- Estimable: It must be clear and precise enough for effort estimation.
- Small: The story should be small enough to complete within one sprint.
- Testable: It needs to have acceptance criteria to measure completion.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria clarify the conditions under which a user story is considered done. They should be specific and testable, ensuring everyone has a shared understanding.

Gherkin Language

Gherkin is a structured language that helps write acceptance tests in a concise format using Given-When-Then syntax. This facilitates clear test scenario creation for desired outcomes.

Tips for Writing User Stories

  1. Collaborate with stakeholders for clarity.
  2. Write testable stories; if they can’t be tested, they’re not ready.
  3. Include visuals for UI impacting stories.
  4. Prioritize with business value in mind.
  5. Use a Definition of Ready checklist before sprint inclusion.

Conclusion

A well-written user story delivers a mini-story with purpose, providing clarity and preventing confusion.

Audio Book

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Understanding Negotiability in User Stories

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The user story should be a placeholder for conversation, not a fixed contract.

Detailed Explanation

In agile methodologies, a user story is designed not just to lay out requirements but to foster discussion among team members. Rather than viewing a user story as a strict contract dictating the exact features to be implemented, it should be seen as an invitation for dialogue. This means that the details can evolve based on new insights from the team or feedback from stakeholders, allowing for greater adaptability in the development process.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you're planning a family trip. Instead of setting a rigid itinerary that everyone must follow, you may outline some destinations or general activities you all want to do. On the trip, you might discover new places that spark interest and spontaneously adjust your plans. Similarly, user stories encourage flexibility and adjustment rather than sticking to a rigid plan.

The Role of Negotiation in Agile Development

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Negotiation involves stakeholders discussing the needs and goals represented in the user story.

Detailed Explanation

In agile development, negotiation plays a critical role in refining user stories. It involves interactions between developers, product owners, and stakeholders to prioritize features based on value and feasibility. This collaborative process ensures that everyone’s perspectives are considered, leading to a shared understanding of the user story's intent and the required outcomes. The negotiation phase allows teams to clarify expectations and adjust the scope of work as needed.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a group project in school. Each member may come with their own ideas on what the final product should look like. By sitting together and discussing each person's vision, the group can negotiate which ideas to include and which to set aside, making the final project a collective effort. This mirrors the collaborative discussions that take place during the negotiation phase in agile development.

Benefits of Viewing User Stories as Negotiable

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Viewing user stories as negotiable leads to improved flexibility and responsiveness to change.

Detailed Explanation

When user stories are treated as negotiable components of the project, teams can react more dynamically to changes in market conditions, user feedback, or technical challenges. This flexibility ensures that development efforts remain aligned with user needs and business priorities. Rather than forcing a strict adherence to predefined stories, teams can re-evaluate and adjust their approach based on ongoing discussions and findings throughout the development cycle.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a chef preparing a meal. Although the recipe provides a guideline, the chef might adjust ingredients based on what’s fresh or to taste. This adaptability often results in a better dish than what was initially planned. In the same way, treating user stories as negotiable allows teams to refine their work for better outcomes.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • User Story: A concise statement of user needs and goals.

  • INVEST Criteria: A set of criteria (Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable) for assessing user story quality.

  • Acceptance Criteria: Specific conditions that define when a user story is complete.

  • Gherkin Language: A structured format for writing acceptance tests.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Bad User Story: 'Create a login system.' Good User Story: 'As a user, I want to log into the portal so that I can access my dashboard.'

  • Acceptance Criteria Example: 'A reset password link is sent to the registered email. The link expires after 24 hours.'

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • For user stories to shine, they must also define. A goal, a user too, and a benefit that's true.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a developer named Sam who always asked, 'What does the user need?' Each story he wrote was to take the lead, ensuring clarity was always guaranteed.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember INVEST for your stories: I for Independent, N for Negotiable, V for Valuable, E for Estimable, S for Small, T for Testable.

🎯 Super Acronyms

User stories must be IVEST to be best

  • Independent
  • Valuable
  • Estimable
  • Small
  • and Testable.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: User Story

    Definition:

    A short, simple description of a feature from the perspective of the end user.

  • Term: INVEST Criteria

    Definition:

    A checklist to ensure high-quality user stories: Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable.

  • Term: Acceptance Criteria

    Definition:

    Conditions to be met for a user story to be accepted as done, ensuring clarity between stakeholders.

  • Term: Gherkin Language

    Definition:

    A structured language for writing acceptance tests in a readable format, using Given-When-Then syntax.