User Story
A functional requirement is a specific task that the software must perform. For instance, "sending a confirmation email when a new user signs up" is a functional requirement.
User stories are a popular method for detailing these requirements in a format accessible to all stakeholders.
User Story: A concise statement defining a functional requirement, its intended user, and its value.
User stories typically follow the role-goal-benefit format:
Example User Story: As an instructor, I want to invite students to the discussion board using a signup link, to avoid adding them individually.
This format helps stakeholders consider who benefits from a feature, their goals, and the feature's importance.
User stories make it easier to evaluate the true value and impact of a feature. While using the role-goal-benefit format, remember that stories can have overlapping benefits and may extend beyond the immediate user.
Writing effective user stories can be challenging. Here are some guidelines:
- Keep stories short, straightforward, and independent.
- Write from the user's perspective.
- Clearly articulate the story's value or benefit.
- Each story should represent one functional requirement. If it's too broad, split it into smaller stories.
- Collaborate on story creation, embracing the wisdom of the team.
Important: You must document your software functional requirements as a set of user stories.