defining-user-stories

name: Defining User Stories description: Translate high-level requirements into specific, value-focused user stories with acceptance criteria.

Defining User Stories

Goal

Capture what needs to be built from the user's perspective, ensuring every feature delivers specific value.

When to Use

• After planner/project-planning.
• Before architect/analyzing-requirements.
• When the "Why" of a feature is unclear.

Instructions

1. The Standard Format

Use the "Connextra" template:

As a <role>, I want to <action>, So that <value/benefit>.

2. INVEST Criteria

Ensure stories are:

• Independent
• Negotiable
• Valuable
• Estimable
• Small
• Testable

3. Acceptance Criteria (Gherkin-ish)

Define "Done" clearly.

• "Verify that the user can see their profile picture."
• "Verify that entering an invalid email shows an error."

4. Splitting Stories

If a story is too big (Epic), split it.

• Workflow Steps: Create Account -> Verify Email -> Set Password.
• Data Variations: Standard User vs Admin User.
• Interface: Web vs Mobile.

Constraints

✅ Do

• DO: Focus on the user benefit, not the technical implementation.
• DO: Write acceptance criteria before writing code.
• DO: Keep stories small enough to complete in 1-2 days.

❌ Don't

• DON'T: Write "As a developer, I want to migrate the database..." (That's a chore, not a story).
• DON'T: Include technical jargon in the story title ("Implement GET /api/users").
• DON'T: Leave acceptance criteria ambiguous ("Make it fast").

Output Format

• Updates to tasks.md (Stories become tasks).
• requirements/user_stories.md (optional).

Dependencies

• planner/project-planning/SKILL.md