SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 23
User Story Mapping
Basia Coulter, UX Designer at Caktus Group
@BasiaCoulter | in/basiacoulter
Meet Caktus Group
And we’re an agile shop….
Getting a Project Started with Discovery
1. What is the problem we’re trying to solve?
2. For whom are we solving this problem?
3. How are we going to solve the problem?
Getting a Project Started with Discovery
1. What is the problem we’re trying to solve?
○ What are we doing?
○ Why are we doing this work?
○ What are the business goals?
○ What are the project goals?
○ What constraints and risks do we need to be aware of?
○ How will we know the project has been successful?
(See blog post, Product Discovery Part 1: Getting Started on www.caktusgroup.com)
Getting a Project Started with Discovery
2. For whom are we solving this problem?
○ Who are the users?
○ Where do users come from?
○ What are their goals?
○ What outcomes do they seek?
○ What pain points do they have?
○ What user roles does the application have to support?
(See post, Product Discovery Part 1: Getting Started on www.caktusgroup.com)
Getting a Project Started with Discovery
3. How are we going to solve the problem?
○ What user flows, tasks, subtasks, and alternative actions do
we need to support within the application.
(See blog post, From User Story Mapping to High Level Release Plan on www.caktusgroup.com)
User Story Mapping
Image source: User Story Mapping, Jeff Patton
The Backbone (Narrative Flow)
Examples of high level user tasks
Manage
an order
Process
payment
Define
number of
patrons
Divide
order
between
patrons
Add tip to
separate
receipts
Waiter Patron(s)
User Tasks, Subtasks, Alternative Actions
Examples of high level user tasks
Manage
an order
Process
payment
Define
number of
receipts
Divide
order
between
patrons
Add tip to
separate
receipts
Waiter Patron(s)
Create
order
Edit
order
Add
/delete
order
items
Charge
credit
card
Refund
charge
Specify
number of
patrons
Edit
number of
patrons
Divide the
receipt by
number of
patrons
View total
per patron
Divide the
receipt by
order items
Based on the
receipt value
divided by #
patrons
Based on
itemized
order values
Defining the Most Valuable Feature Set
Examples of high level user tasks
Manage
an order
Process
payment
Define
number of
receipts
Divide
order
between
patrons
Add tip to
separate
receipts
Waiter Patron(s)
Create
order
Edit
order
Charge
credit
card
Refund
charge
Specify
number of
patrons
Edit
number of
patrons
Divide the
receipt by
number of
patrons
View total
per patron
Divide the
receipt by
order items
Based on the
receipt value
divided by #
patrons
Based on
itemized
order
values
Add
/delete
order
items
What’s the Point?
Image source: User Story Mapping by Jeff Patton
User Story Map for Real
Contexts for Applying User Story Mapping
● As part of the discovery workshop
● On its own, as an internal team activity
● To map out an entire application
● To map out a subset of features
Writing User Stories
● Front of the card: As a [user type], I want
to [feature, functionality], so that [benefit]
● Back of the card: Acceptance criteria
Estimating User Stories
● Story points! Modified Fibonacci sequence
High Level Release Plan
Release plan by PO, Daryl Riethof
“Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
General Dwight David Eisenhower
What Works
User story mapping
● Understand what the required tasks are, how they break down, how they relate to each
other, and which ones are higher priority.
● See the entirety of the project in one physical representation. It makes it easy to keep
discussions at the right level (rather than too high-level or too detailed).
Writing user stories
● Get the first iteration of a backlog done in 1-2 hrs.
● Share knowledge about the project across team members.
Release plan
● See project milestones at the onset of the project.
Lessons Learned
User story mapping
● Need to spend more time during the mapping activity updating the stories in the map as the
group's understanding of the project evolves.
Writing user stories
● Need to get together with the entire dev team, including people who did not attend the
workshop, and talk through the workshop outcomes prior to writing user stories.
Release plan
● Need to strengthen the understanding of a release plan as a transient tool rather than a
commitment to doing certain things in certain sprints.
THANK YOU
Basia Coulter
@BasiaCoulter
in/basiacoulter

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

Gen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdf
Gen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdfGen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdf
Gen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdfAddepto
 
From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .
From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .
From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .Alan Dix
 
The State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptx
The State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptxThe State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptx
The State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptxLoriGlavin3
 
DevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platforms
DevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platformsDevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platforms
DevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platformsSergiu Bodiu
 
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024BookNet Canada
 
Take control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test Suite
Take control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test SuiteTake control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test Suite
Take control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test SuiteDianaGray10
 
Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?
Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?
Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?Mattias Andersson
 
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache MavenDevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache MavenHervé Boutemy
 
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024Lorenzo Miniero
 
DSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine Tuning
DSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine TuningDSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine Tuning
DSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine TuningLars Bell
 
unit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptx
unit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptxunit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptx
unit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptxBkGupta21
 
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdfUnraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdfAlex Barbosa Coqueiro
 
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!Commit University
 
Connect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck Presentation
Connect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck PresentationConnect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck Presentation
Connect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck PresentationSlibray Presentation
 
Passkey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
Passkey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptxPasskey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
Passkey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptxLoriGlavin3
 
Moving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdf
Moving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdfMoving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdf
Moving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdfLoriGlavin3
 
A Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
A Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptxA Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
A Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptxLoriGlavin3
 
Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 365
Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 365Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 365
Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 3652toLead Limited
 
Dev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio Web
Dev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio WebDev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio Web
Dev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio WebUiPathCommunity
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Gen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdf
Gen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdfGen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdf
Gen AI in Business - Global Trends Report 2024.pdf
 
From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .
From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .
From Family Reminiscence to Scholarly Archive .
 
The State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptx
The State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptxThe State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptx
The State of Passkeys with FIDO Alliance.pptx
 
DevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platforms
DevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platformsDevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platforms
DevEX - reference for building teams, processes, and platforms
 
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
New from BookNet Canada for 2024: BNC CataList - Tech Forum 2024
 
Take control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test Suite
Take control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test SuiteTake control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test Suite
Take control of your SAP testing with UiPath Test Suite
 
Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?
Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?
Are Multi-Cloud and Serverless Good or Bad?
 
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache MavenDevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
DevoxxFR 2024 Reproducible Builds with Apache Maven
 
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
SIP trunking in Janus @ Kamailio World 2024
 
DSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine Tuning
DSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine TuningDSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine Tuning
DSPy a system for AI to Write Prompts and Do Fine Tuning
 
unit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptx
unit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptxunit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptx
unit 4 immunoblotting technique complete.pptx
 
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdfUnraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
Unraveling Multimodality with Large Language Models.pdf
 
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
Nell’iperspazio con Rocket: il Framework Web di Rust!
 
Connect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck Presentation
Connect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck PresentationConnect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck Presentation
Connect Wave/ connectwave Pitch Deck Presentation
 
DMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special Edition
DMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special EditionDMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special Edition
DMCC Future of Trade Web3 - Special Edition
 
Passkey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
Passkey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptxPasskey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
Passkey Providers and Enabling Portability: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
 
Moving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdf
Moving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdfMoving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdf
Moving Beyond Passwords: FIDO Paris Seminar.pdf
 
A Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
A Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptxA Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
A Deep Dive on Passkeys: FIDO Paris Seminar.pptx
 
Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 365
Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 365Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 365
Ensuring Technical Readiness For Copilot in Microsoft 365
 
Dev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio Web
Dev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio WebDev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio Web
Dev Dives: Streamline document processing with UiPath Studio Web
 

Featured

How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthHow Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
 
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsKurio // The Social Media Age(ncy)
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Tessa Mero
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentLily Ray
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...RachelPearson36
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at WorkGetSmarter
 

Featured (20)

How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthHow Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
 
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
 
Skeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture CodeSkeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture Code
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
 
How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations
 
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data ScienceIntroduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project management
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
 
ChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slidesChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slides
 

User Story Mapping (extended presentation)

  • 1. User Story Mapping Basia Coulter, UX Designer at Caktus Group @BasiaCoulter | in/basiacoulter
  • 2. Meet Caktus Group And we’re an agile shop….
  • 3. Getting a Project Started with Discovery 1. What is the problem we’re trying to solve? 2. For whom are we solving this problem? 3. How are we going to solve the problem?
  • 4. Getting a Project Started with Discovery 1. What is the problem we’re trying to solve? ○ What are we doing? ○ Why are we doing this work? ○ What are the business goals? ○ What are the project goals? ○ What constraints and risks do we need to be aware of? ○ How will we know the project has been successful? (See blog post, Product Discovery Part 1: Getting Started on www.caktusgroup.com)
  • 5. Getting a Project Started with Discovery 2. For whom are we solving this problem? ○ Who are the users? ○ Where do users come from? ○ What are their goals? ○ What outcomes do they seek? ○ What pain points do they have? ○ What user roles does the application have to support? (See post, Product Discovery Part 1: Getting Started on www.caktusgroup.com)
  • 6. Getting a Project Started with Discovery 3. How are we going to solve the problem? ○ What user flows, tasks, subtasks, and alternative actions do we need to support within the application. (See blog post, From User Story Mapping to High Level Release Plan on www.caktusgroup.com)
  • 7. User Story Mapping Image source: User Story Mapping, Jeff Patton
  • 9. Examples of high level user tasks Manage an order Process payment Define number of patrons Divide order between patrons Add tip to separate receipts Waiter Patron(s)
  • 10. User Tasks, Subtasks, Alternative Actions
  • 11. Examples of high level user tasks Manage an order Process payment Define number of receipts Divide order between patrons Add tip to separate receipts Waiter Patron(s) Create order Edit order Add /delete order items Charge credit card Refund charge Specify number of patrons Edit number of patrons Divide the receipt by number of patrons View total per patron Divide the receipt by order items Based on the receipt value divided by # patrons Based on itemized order values
  • 12. Defining the Most Valuable Feature Set
  • 13. Examples of high level user tasks Manage an order Process payment Define number of receipts Divide order between patrons Add tip to separate receipts Waiter Patron(s) Create order Edit order Charge credit card Refund charge Specify number of patrons Edit number of patrons Divide the receipt by number of patrons View total per patron Divide the receipt by order items Based on the receipt value divided by # patrons Based on itemized order values Add /delete order items
  • 14. What’s the Point? Image source: User Story Mapping by Jeff Patton
  • 15. User Story Map for Real
  • 16. Contexts for Applying User Story Mapping ● As part of the discovery workshop ● On its own, as an internal team activity ● To map out an entire application ● To map out a subset of features
  • 17. Writing User Stories ● Front of the card: As a [user type], I want to [feature, functionality], so that [benefit] ● Back of the card: Acceptance criteria
  • 18. Estimating User Stories ● Story points! Modified Fibonacci sequence
  • 19. High Level Release Plan Release plan by PO, Daryl Riethof
  • 20. “Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” General Dwight David Eisenhower
  • 21. What Works User story mapping ● Understand what the required tasks are, how they break down, how they relate to each other, and which ones are higher priority. ● See the entirety of the project in one physical representation. It makes it easy to keep discussions at the right level (rather than too high-level or too detailed). Writing user stories ● Get the first iteration of a backlog done in 1-2 hrs. ● Share knowledge about the project across team members. Release plan ● See project milestones at the onset of the project.
  • 22. Lessons Learned User story mapping ● Need to spend more time during the mapping activity updating the stories in the map as the group's understanding of the project evolves. Writing user stories ● Need to get together with the entire dev team, including people who did not attend the workshop, and talk through the workshop outcomes prior to writing user stories. Release plan ● Need to strengthen the understanding of a release plan as a transient tool rather than a commitment to doing certain things in certain sprints.

Editor's Notes

  1. My name is Basia Coulter, I am a UX Designer at Caktus Group where I facilitate discovery workshops. Today, I want to talk to you about how we use user story mapping to arrive at a high level release plan.
  2. Caktus Group is a software development company that specializes in building Django web applications. We’ve been around for 10 years this year!
  3. Although Caktus is not a business or marketing consultancy and we’re not advising our clients on their business or marketing strategy, it is crucial that we have some basic understanding of the client’s business goals. A lot of valuable information comes out of these discussions that is relevant to a successful development effort, so I encourage people to always have those conversations. Sometime, for example, we find out that the client has not answered some of these questions for themselves, and having that conversation flags potential difficulties. Sometimes stakeholders for the first time articulate the project goals clearly.
  4. Identifying user roles is often the most challenging activity. For example, one of our clients in response to the question about user types listed about a dozen of “user types” that simply represented a variety of professions their users may have. It was through a guided exercise during the workshop that we were able to narrow down that list to 3)
  5. User story mapping has been popularized by Jeff Patton who has written a book, “User Story Mapping.” It is a visualization technique that uses sticky notes to map out a digital application.
  6. User story mapping starts by outlining the narrative flow (or a backbone). The narrative flow consists of high level user tasks or user outcomes within the application. It’s important to make that as complete as possible before moving on to mapping out details
  7. Imagine an application that helps the restaurant divide checks between patrons. Examples of high level user tasks might include “Manage Account,” “Manage To-do List,” “Share To-do List.” If there are multiple user types, it may be good to have segments of the narrative flow dedicated to respective user types. It’s helpful to finalize the narrative flow before moving on to detailed tasks otherwise, it may be logistically difficult to move the sticky notes around
  8. Once high level tasks are identified, we move on to unpacking what detail tasks they consists of, what subtasks the user might have to conduct, or what alternative actions might be possible.
  9. Once we’ve mapped out the entire application in this way, we define the set of most valuable features. We ask our stakeholders which features the application could go live without and still deliver on user value.
  10. Why are we doing all this in a workshop setting with stakeholders involved? In order to build a shared understanding about which features are essential for the product.
  11. Here is an example of a user story map from an actual workshop. You can see the narrative flow, tasks, and the MVP line
  12. Here is an example of a user story map from an actual workshop. You can see the narrative flow, tasks, and the MVP line
  13. We then, as a team, translate the brief phrasing from the sticky notes into fully fledged agile user stories that follow the prescribed format and have acceptance criteria
  14. The devs then estimate the stories by first arranging them from low to high effort, and than assigning story points using a modified Fibonacci scale. This activity is facilitated by our Scrum Master, Charlotte Fouque
  15. Based on the dev team’s past velocity, the project manager translated the estimated user stories into a release plan
  16. Although the release plan changes as the project moves forward, this process gives the dev team a good foundation on which to begin the base the development effort.
  17. Some of the stories written earlier in the workshop weren't quite in sync with our final understanding of what we wanted. Writing user stories: It was a bit frustrating at times. Since some of us were in the workshop and some weren't, we were trying to communicate complex ideas quickly to the people who weren't there, not always all that successfully.