100+ User Story Examples for Every Use Case

By Lulu Richter | September 6, 2024

We’ve worked with experts to gather more than 100 helpful examples of user stories for various applications, industries, and types, as well as examples of how to improve user stories to make them more effective and measurable.

Included in this article, you’ll find the following: 

User Story Examples for Product and Project Managemen

In product and project management, user stories articulate the needs and desires of their product’s end user. This information helps the development team create features for their software applications, websites, digital services, and other products that provide real value to customers.

Learn more about how to develop actionable user stories with these guides to writing customer-centric user stories and increasing customer satisfaction with user stories. Below, you’ll find examples that illustrate how user stories can effectively communicate specific needs across various roles in project and product management.

Simple User Story Examples

All user stories should be simple. They identify a specific end-user persona, one thing that user wants or needs, and why. The resulting one-sentence story should translate broad user needs into specific tasks that guide the development process.

“The preferred format for writing user stories is the ‘as a [user], I want [goal], so that [reason]’ format,” says Sidharth Ramsinghaney, Director of Strategy and Operations at Twilio. “This structure ensures that the story is user-centric and clearly defines the user’s need, the goal, and the benefit.”

Sidharth Ramsignhaney

Here are three simple examples of user stories that follow this format:

  • As a fitness enthusiast, I want to track my workouts and progress in an app so that I can monitor my improvements.

  • As a frequent shopper, I want to save my payment information so that I can check out quickly on future purchases.

  • As an online student, I want to receive notifications for upcoming classes so that I can easily manage my schedule.

Project Management User Story Examples

User stories in project management translate complex project requirements into simple, actionable tasks tailored to specific roles. Here are three examples of project management user stories that illustrate different needs within a project team:

  • As a project manager, I want to create and modify project timelines easily so that I can adjust schedules as the project scope changes.
  • As a team member, I want to receive notifications about upcoming deadlines so that I can manage my workload to meet project milestones.
  • As a project sponsor, I want access to a visual dashboard that tracks project progress against goals so that I can quickly understand the health of the project.

Examples of Product Management User Stories

User stories help product managers identify and address specific needs through concise, targeted objectives.

Ramsinghaney offers the following example of a product management user story: “As a product manager, I want to analyze the usage data of our communication features so that I can make data-driven decisions to improve user experience.”

Here are three additional examples of product management user stories:

  • As a product manager, I want to have a dashboard that displays real-time user engagement metrics so that I can quickly adjust features based on user activity.
  • As a product manager, I want access to a feature comparison tool so that I can evaluate our product’s offerings against competitors.
  • As a product manager, I want to receive alerts when critical bugs are reported so that I can prioritize fixes.

Product Backlog User Story Examples

Product backlog user stories break down the development process into manageable pieces, focusing on delivering value to the user. Here are three examples of product backlog user stories:

  • As a customer support agent, I want to have an integrated chat feature within our CRM system so that I can respond to customer inquiries without switching applications.
  • As a marketing manager, I want to track email campaign metrics directly from our platform so that I can analyze performance in real time.
  • As a web developer, I want access to a version control system that is integrated into our development environment so that I can manage changes more effectively.

User Story Examples for Agile and Scrum Methodologies

User stories are fundamental building blocks in Agile and Scrum methodologies. They help teams prioritize work based on the user’s needs and allow for iterative development. The following examples show the practical application of user stories in a development environment across different roles and industries.

Agile User Story Examples

These Agile user story examples illustrate different users’ desired functionalities so that Agile development teams can prioritize and tackle them.

  • As a user of the mobile app, I want to be able to reset my password via SMS so that I can recover my account quickly if I forget my password.
  • As a non-tech-savvy blogger, I want to use a drag-and-drop interface to arrange sections on my blog page so that I can design my posts without needing to code.
  • As a novice developer, I want to receive coding tips in the integrated development environment so that I can improve my coding skills while working on projects.

Examples of Scrum User Stories

In Scrum, teams prioritize and tackle user stories during work periods called sprints. Then they track progress through a burndown chart, which visually represents the completion of user stories against the planned work in a sprint.

Here is a burndown chart full of example user stories and their associated tasks for Scrum:
 

Agile Sprint Burndown User Story Examples


See our collection of free burndown chart templates to create your own burndown chart.

Kanban User Story Examples

Teams can put individual user stories on Kanban cards to help visualize the flow of tasks on their Kanban board. Each story represents a single work item as it moves through stages (To-do, Doing, and Done).

Here are examples of user stories and their associated tasks on a Kanban board for developers working on a dog-walking app:

Kanban User Story Examples

Examples of Agile Technical User Stories

Technical user stories in Agile focus on back-end improvements, system enhancements, or infrastructure changes that support the functionality and performance of the product but may not directly interact with end users.

“One thing that frequently occurs is that a user story has some technical debt (i.e., behind-the-scenes work that is transparent to the end user) — and the team might not know that until they start working on the feature,” explains Bryan Berthot, Scrum Master, Project Manager, and doctoral candidate at the University of South Florida. “If that’s the case, then you need to write and track one or more new user stories.”

Bryan Berthot

Here are some examples of Agile technical user stories:

  • As a system administrator, I want to migrate our current databases to a cloud-based infrastructure so that we can reduce maintenance overhead.

  • As a DevOps engineer, I want to implement continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines so that I can deploy code with fewer errors.

  • As a back-end developer, I want to introduce a microservices architecture so that different teams can develop, test, and deploy their services independently.

User Story Examples for Specific Applications and Systems

User stories can help software developers address the specific challenges and requirements of any industry, such as banking, e-commerce, education, manufacturing, and more. For example, a development team might consider the perspective of a nurse to create new and improved features for an electronic health record (EHR) software.

Below are examples of user stories that illustrate how targeted solutions can enhance efficiency and user experience across applications:

Examples of Healthcare System User Stories

Developers can consider the perspectives of nurses, patients, doctors, caregivers, and administrative staff to help them create and improve healthcare system features. Doing so will help them prioritize features that add actual value and allow healthcare providers to deliver better care, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce burnout among workers.

Here are example user stories in a healthcare environment:

  • As a nurse, I want to access patient records on a secure mobile device so that I can update and retrieve patient information without returning to the workstation.
  • As a healthcare compliance officer, I want the system to automatically update with the latest regulatory changes so that our facility remains compliant.
  • As a patient, I want to securely message my healthcare provider through a patient portal so that I can quickly get answers to health-related questions without an office visit.

Examples of Payment and Banking System User Stories

By considering the needs of account managers, customers, finance teams, merchants, and bank staff, developers can design and enhance payment and banking system features that simplify transaction processes, ensure accurate and timely payments, improve user satisfaction, and reduce the risk of errors or delays.

Below are some examples of the kinds of user stories developers might write when working on a payment system:

  • As a banking customer, I want to receive instant notifications for all transactions so that I can detect unauthorized transactions immediately.
  • As a finance manager, I want to generate detailed monthly transaction reports so that I can analyze spending patterns more effectively.
  • As a merchant, I want to integrate various payment gateways into our system so that customers have multiple payment options at checkout.
  • As a loan officer, I want to automate the credit scoring process so that I can review loan applications more efficiently.

User Story Examples for Federal Government Applications

To design and optimize federal government systems, developers can write user stories that consider the experience of government employees, citizens, regulatory bodies, IT administrators, and policymakers. 

Here are some examples of user stories for a federal government system:

  • As a federal employee, I want to access a centralized database of government regulations so that I can ensure my department complies with the latest policies.
  • As a citizen, I want to apply for government services online so that I can avoid long wait times.
  • As a data analyst, I want to generate reports on public service usage so that I can help improve resource allocation.

Construction Project Management Software User Story Examples

When writing user stories for construction project systems, consider the different needs of project managers, contractors, site workers, architects, and clients. By doing so, developers can create features that improve on-site safety, streamline communication, and ensure timely and cost-effective project completion.

Here are three examples of user stories for construction project management software:

  • As a project manager, I want to track the progress of construction tasks in real time so that I can ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.
  • As a site supervisor, I want to access updated blueprints on my tablet so that I can reference the latest designs while on site.
  • As a contractor, I want to receive automated notifications about supply deliveries so that I can plan work schedules more effectively.

Manufacturing System User Story Examples

By considering the needs and priorities of production managers, machine operators, supply chain coordinators, quality control inspectors, and inventory managers, developers can build system features that streamline operations and boost equipment efficiency.

These examples illustrate how user stories can help the development team focus on features and applications in manufacturing systems:

  • As a production manager, I want to monitor equipment performance data so that I can schedule maintenance and reduce downtime.
  • As a quality control inspector, I want to log defect reports directly into the system so that I can ensure immediate attention and resolution.
  • As an inventory manager, I want to track raw material levels in real time so that I can reorder supplies before they run out.

Education System User Story Examples

When developers write user stories that incorporate the needs of teachers, students, administrators, parents, and support staff, they can create features that enhance learning experiences and support the diverse needs of the educational community.

Here are examples of user stories for an education system:

  • As a teacher, I want to upload and manage course materials online so that students can access resources anytime.
  • As a student, I want to track my academic progress through a personal dashboard so that I can stay informed about my grades and assignments.
  • As a school administrator, I want to generate attendance reports so that I can identify and address student absenteeism issues.

E-Commerce User Story Examples

By tailoring user stories to reflect the needs of shoppers, merchants, customer service teams, inventory managers, and marketing specialists, developers can create e-commerce system features that improve the shopping experience for everyone.

These user story examples highlight the needs of various users in an e-commerce system:

  • As a customer, I want to filter products by price, rating, and category so that I can easily find items that meet my needs.
  • As a store owner, I want to view inventory levels in real time so that I can avoid stockouts and overstocking.
  • As a marketer, I want to analyze customer purchase data so that I can create targeted marketing campaigns and improve sales.

CRM User Story Examples

Sales teams, customer service representatives, and marketing professionals use customer relationship management (CRM) systems. User stories help these different stakeholders clarify their unique needs, which helps developers create features that improve value for all parties.

Ramsinghaney offers the following example: “As a customer support agent, I want to use voice API to make outbound calls directly from our CRM system, so that I can efficiently manage customer interactions.” Developers can take this user story and build features such as click-to-call functionality, automatic call logging, and integrated customer profiles, which would streamline communication processes and reduce the time spent on manual call management.

Here are three more examples of user story examples for a CRM:

  • As a sales representative, I want to track all interactions with my clients in the CRM so that I can have a complete history of communications and follow up effectively.
  • As a customer service agent, I want to view a customer’s previous support tickets in the CRM so that I can provide informed and consistent support.
  • As a sales manager, I want to generate reports on sales team performance from the CRM so that I can identify areas for improvement and reward top performers.

User Story Examples for Specific Features and Functions

Agile teams often write user stories when developing or improving specific features and functions — such as data migration or reporting — to focus on delivering relevant functionalities. For example, a user story might help a team improve a reporting function for PM software by clearly identifying the specific metrics and data visualizations that their users actually need.

Below you’ll find some examples of user stories by specific features and functions.

Reporting User Story Examples

For a development team focused on improving a reporting function, user stories can help generate ideas that add value to the users, whether they’re a data analyst, business manager, IT administrator, or another role.

Here are three examples of user stories that aim to improve a reporting feature:

  • As a sales manager, I want to generate monthly sales reports so that I can analyze our performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • As an HR manager, I want to create an employee performance report so that I can identify top performers and those who may need additional support.
  • As a customer support manager, I want to generate a report of ticket resolution times so that I can assess our support team’s efficiency.

Data Migration User Story Examples

When a development team needs to enhance a data migration process, user stories can be a valuable tool for identifying features that meet the needs of different stakeholders, such as database administrators, data analysts, IT project managers, and more.

Here are three examples of user stories that focus on optimizing data migration:

  • As a database administrator, I want to migrate data from our legacy system to the new database so that we can improve performance and scalability.
  • As a data analyst, I want to verify the integrity of data after migration so that I can ensure no data is lost or corrupted during the process.
  • As a system integrator, I want to map data fields between the old and new systems so that data is correctly aligned and accessible.

Dashboard User Story Examples

To ensure that a dashboard meets the diverse needs of its users, a development team can leverage user stories to highlight key functionalities that various stakeholders — such as executives, analysts, and operations managers — want.

The following examples of user stories aim to refine a dashboard feature:

  • As a CEO, I want a dashboard that shows KPIs for all departments so that I can access an overview of the company’s health.
  • As a customer service manager, I want to see real-time metrics on customer support tickets on my dashboard so that I can ensure timely issue resolution.
  • As a sales manager, I want to track sales targets and achievements on a dashboard so that I can motivate my team and adjust strategies as needed.

Data Analytics User Story Examples

In developing advanced data analytics capabilities, user stories can help the team identify specific functions that benefit users such as data scientists, business analysts, product managers, and more.

These user story examples focus on enhancing data analytics features:

  • As a business analyst, I want to create custom reports based on sales data so that I can identify trends and opportunities for growth.
  • As a product manager, I want to use data analytics to track product performance so that I can make informed decisions about future development.
  • As a financial analyst, I want to visualize financial data using charts and graphs so that I can easily present insights to stakeholders.

User Story Examples for User Interface and Experience

User stories play a crucial role in developing and enhancing user interfaces and experiences. By focusing on the actual needs and behaviors of end users, Agile teams can create interfaces that are intuitive and enjoyable to work with. For example, a user story might guide the design of a mobile app interface by specifying the need for quick navigation and accessibility features.

Here are some examples of user stories for user interface and experience.

User Interface (UI) User Story Examples

When enhancing the user interface (UI), user stories are instrumental in defining features that improve usability and user satisfaction, as well as cater to different personas such as designers, new users, gamers, and more.

Here are three examples of user stories focused on UI:

  • As a graphic designer, I want to customize the toolbar layout in my design software so that I can optimize my workflow.
  • As a new user, I want tips to appear when I hover over complex controls so that I can learn how to use the application.
  • As a gamer, I want the game interface to adapt based on my device’s orientation so that I can have a seamless experience in both landscape and portrait modes.

User Experience (UX) User Story Examples

In refining the user experience (UX), user stories play a crucial role in pinpointing features that enhance overall usability, accessibility, and satisfaction for various types of users, including customers, power users, and more.

Here are three examples of user stories focused on UX design:

  • As a frequent user, I want the system to remember my preferences so that I do not have to repeat selections each time I log in.
  • As a remote worker, I want the videoconferencing tool to automatically adjust video quality based on my internet speed so that calls are not interrupted.
  • As a user with limited technical skills, I want any error messages to be easy to understand so that I can resolve issues without external help.

Examples of User Stories for a Mobile App

User stories help development teams identify features that will enhance navigation, accessibility, and overall user satisfaction for a mobile app.

The following examples include user stories that focus on enhancing and adding features for a mobile app:

  • As a commuter, I want the app to load quickly so that I can use it effectively during short periods of free time.
  • As a traveler, I want offline access to maps and navigation tools so that I can use the app without internet connectivity.
  • As a parent, I want the ability to control app permissions for child users so that I can ensure their online safety.

Examples of User Stories for a Website

To optimize the UX and UI of a website, it’s essential to consider user stories that reflect the needs of different user groups, such as returning customers, casual browsers, and users with accessibility requirements.

These example user stories guide the development of features that make the website more intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly:

  • As a first-time visitor, I want to easily navigate the website’s menu so that I can find the information I need without confusion.
  • As a frequent user, I want to personalize my dashboard view so that I can quickly access the features I access the most.
  • As a visually impaired user, I want the website to be fully accessible with screen readers so that I can engage with the content independently.

Technical and Development-Focused User Story Examples

Technical user stories can address highly technical challenges that require a deep understanding of both the system architecture and the user’s needs. They are often internal-facing, focusing on the infrastructure, tools, and processes that underpin the software’s functionality.

Given the specialized nature of these stories, they often benefit from collaboration between product owners and experts. This will ensure that you capture any technical nuances.

“Although it varies by work environment, the stories usually are not written by the team,” Berthot explains. “A customer, customer proxy, or product owner has the main responsibility for writing the stories. However, if the story involves something technical, it may be more of a collaborative effort between the product owner and the subject-matter experts on the team.”

Below are examples of user stories that might guide development teams as they navigate complex features. 

Software Development User Story Examples

User stories for software development capture the specific needs of developers, testers, and other experts to guide the creation of robust applications. These stories ensure that software features align with both functional requirements and technical constraints.

Below are user story examples that highlight key aspects of software development:

  • As a front-end developer, I want to implement lazy loading for images so that we can reduce page load times and improve overall performance and user experience.
  • As a full-stack developer, I want to integrate OAuth 2.0 authentication so that users can securely log in using third-party accounts, ensuring compatibility with industry-standard security protocols.
  • As a software engineer, I want to refactor legacy code into modular components so that the codebase is easier to maintain and extend with new features.

User Story Examples for System Integration

User stories can help address the complexities that arise when combining systems. By focusing on the needs of system architects, integrators, and end users, these stories facilitate the development of cohesive solutions that enhance overall system functionality.

Here are some examples of user stories that focus on seamless system integration:

  • As a systems integrator, I want to implement API gateways to standardize communication between different services so that data flows seamlessly across the system.
  • As a network engineer, I want to configure load balancing across our integrated systems so that traffic is evenly distributed and bottlenecks do not occur.
  • As a system architect, I want to implement single sign-on (SSO) across all enterprise applications so that users can access multiple systems with a single set of credentials, enhancing security and user convenience.

Example User Stories for API Development

User stories are essential in application programming interface (API) development, as they guide the interface creation so that it meets the needs of developers, third-party integrators, and end users. These stories help define the API’s functionality, ensuring it is user-friendly and secure.

Ramsinghaney provides the following example: “As a developer, I want to integrate SMS API into my application so that I can send automated text messages to users for notifications.”

Here are three additional examples of of user stories for API development:

  • As a third-party integrator, I want to access the API’s OAuth 2.0 authentication so that my application can securely interact with the user’s data.
  • As a front-end developer, I want to use the API to collect product details so that I can dynamically display information on the e-commerce site.
  • As an analytics engineer, I want the API to log request and response times so that we can monitor performance and optimize as needed.

DevOps User Story Examples

In a DevOps environment, user stories help streamline the continuous integration and deployment processes by focusing on the needs of developers, operations teams, and system administrators.

Here are user story examples that are central to DevOps practices:

  • As a DevOps engineer, I want to set up a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline so that we can automate the testing and deployment process.
  • As a development team lead, I want to implement automated monitoring and alerts so that we can quickly identify and resolve production issues.
  • As a DevOps lead, I want to implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) across all our environments so that our infrastructure configurations are easy to reproduce.

Back-end User Story Examples

Back-end development requires user stories that reflect the technical and performance needs of the system. They focus on database management, server-side logic, and security, as well as capture the requirements of back-end developers, database administrators, and security experts.

The following examples of user stories emphasize critical aspects of back-end development:

  • As a back-end developer, I want to design a scalable database schema so that we can efficiently handle increasing amounts of data.
  • As a system architect, I want to implement caching mechanisms so that we can improve the performance of our application.
  • As a back-end engineer, I want to create RESTful APIs for our services so that front-end applications can easily interact with our system.

User Story Examples for Quality Assurance and Testing

User stories are essential for defining and refining the processes and tools used in quality assurance (QA) and testing. By focusing on specific needs and scenarios, Agile teams can ensure that software products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. For instance, a user story might help a team implement automated regression tests that verify existing functionalities are not broken by new code changes.

Here are some examples of user stories for quality assurance and testing.

Quality Assurance (QA) User Story Examples

To ensure that software meets the required standards and functions as intended, quality assurance is crucial throughout the development process. User stories in this context focus on validating functionality, performance, and user experience, and addressing the needs of QA engineers, testers, and end users.

Here are several QA user story examples:

  • As a QA tester, I want to create test cases for all new features so that we can ensure they meet the specified requirements and function correctly.
  • As a QA manager, I want to track defect resolution times so that I can identify bottlenecks in the testing process and improve efficiency.
  • As a QA engineer, I want to perform manual exploratory testing so that I can uncover edge cases and unexpected behaviors in the application.

Examples of Automated Testing User Stories

Automated testing plays a large role in modern software development because it allows teams to quickly and consistently validate code changes. User stories for automated testing focus on creating and maintaining tests that ensure the application’s stability and performance over time.

These three examples show how automated testing user stories contribute to efficient and reliable software delivery:

  • As a QA engineer, I want to set up automated regression tests so that we can quickly verify that existing functionalities don’t break as a result of new changes.
  • As a project manager, I want to generate automated test reports after each build so that I can monitor the quality of the software continuously.
  • As a DevOps engineer, I want to schedule automated tests to run overnight so that we can identify and address issues before the start of the next workday.

Security Testing User Story Examples

Security is a top priority in software development. User stories for security testing address potential vulnerabilities and ensure that the application is protected against threats. These stories typically involve tasks for security engineers, developers, and system administrators.

Below are user story examples for security testing:

  • As a security tester, I want to test the application’s response to SQL injection attacks so that we can protect against unauthorized database access.
  • As a security analyst, I want to conduct penetration testing on the application so that I can identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
  • As a security engineer, I want to perform static code analysis on the software so that we can identify and remediate any security vulnerabilities in the codebase early in the development process.

User Story Examples for Marketing and Business Analysis

In marketing and business analysis, user stories help teams develop features and tools that drive strategic decisions. By capturing the needs and goals of marketers and analysts, Agile teams can build systems that provide valuable insights and enhance marketing efforts. For example, a user story might guide the creation of a customer segmentation tool that enables targeted marketing campaigns, which might lead to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Below, you’ll find some examples of user stories for marketing and business analysis.

Marketing User Story Examples

In marketing, user stories focus on the needs of marketers, content creators, and social media professionals. They enable developers to align development efforts with the marketing team’s strategic goals.

Here are examples of user stories designed to enhance marketing functionalities:

  • As a social media specialist, I want to schedule posts in advance so that we can maintain a consistent online presence across all platforms.
  • As a content creator, I want to analyze the reach and impact of my articles so that I can tailor future content to better resonate with our audience.
  • As a product marketer, I want to run A/B tests on landing pages so that we can determine which design and messaging convert the most visitors.

User Story Examples for Business Analysts

Business analysts play a crucial role in bridging the gap between stakeholders and development teams. User stories for business analysts focus on data analysis, reporting, and process optimization, and provide actionable insights that drive development.

These user stories highlight the needs of business analysts:

  • As a business analyst, I want to create data flow diagrams so that we can visualize the flow of information in our systems.
  • As a business analyst, I want to generate financial models and forecasts so that we can plan and allocate resources effectively.
  • As a business analyst, I want to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of our recent marketing campaigns so that we can allocate budget more effectively in the future.

User Story Examples for Learning and Comparison

Understanding how to craft effective user stories is crucial for successful project development. By comparing successful and unsuccessful examples of user stories, breaking down complex epics into actionable user stories, and understanding the various formats user stories might come in, teams can deliver clear, focused, and actionable requirements that align with user needs and project goals. 

Examples of Good and Bad User Stories

Good user stories are clear, concise, and directly focused on user needs. They explicitly state what the user wants to achieve and why. In contrast, bad user stories lack specificity, are too broad or technically focused, and fail to clearly articulate the value to the user.

“The user story must be written in such a way that the team can provide a work estimate on it,” says Berthot. “If the story is too vague or is not measurable, it needs to be refined so that the team can estimate it.”

Here are some examples of ineffective user stories and how to correct them: 

Bad User Story Example

Why It’s Ineffective

Corrected Example

As a user, I want to improve the system’s performance.This story is too vague and lacks specific details. It doesn’t define what “improve the system’s performance” means, which makes it difficult to measure or complete. To correct it, specify the performance improvement goal and the benefit to the user — this will make it actionable and measurable.As a user, I want the system to load the dashboard within 3 seconds so that I can access my data quickly.
As a user, I want to have a better experience on the website.This story is too vague because “better experience” is subjective and can mean different things to different people. It doesn’t provide any specific goals or changes. To correct it, specify how the user experience should be improved and the benefit to the user.As a user, I want the website to have a more intuitive navigation so that I can easily find the information I need.
As a customer, I want to see product details.This story is vague because it doesn’t specify what kind of product details the user needs or why they are important. To correct it, clarify what specific product details the user desires and the reason these features are important to them.As a customer, I want to see detailed product specifications, including dimensions, materials, and warranty information, so that I can make an informed purchase decision.


A good user story will also typically have acceptance criteria: specific, predefined conditions or requirements that a product or feature must meet to be considered complete. You can learn more in this collection of user story examples with acceptance criteria.

Complex User Story Example

By definition, user stories should never be complex. If a story is complex, it’s more likely that it’s an epic, a large amount of work that can be broken into simpler tasks or user stories.

“A good user story has several characteristics,” says Berthot. “First, the story should be self-contained. That means that it’s not an epic, which requires the team to decompose it into multiple, smaller user stories. A team should be able to complete a user story within a single sprint. If this cannot be done, it’s a sign that the story needs to be decomposed further into smaller stories.”

In this example, a larger epic is broken down into manageable user stories.

Complex User Story Example

Learn more about how to break down epics into actionable stories in this guide to user story mapping.

User Story Format Examples

All user stories follow the same basic format: “As a [user], I want [goal] so that [reason].” Teams can use a physical board with sticky notes to track user stories as they move from the backlog through production and into completion. They can also use software, whiteboards, or other methods.

User Story Format

“User stories may be done on index cards or sticky notes, whiteboards, or electronic software,” says Berthot. “On professional software development projects, you definitely want to use one of the commercially available Agile team applications.”

For instance, in the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley, the character Jared Dunn adopts Agile methodology to help organize the team’s workflows and opts for a physical format for user stories.

Although it’s a parody, this scene is an accurate depiction of how a development team might use user stories in a real-world context. Jared uses a physical board with color-coded Post-it notes to represent user stories, each linked to a larger epic. As these stories move across the board’s columns, the team can visually track progress.

Another option is to try one of these user story templates to create a digital version that can be updated from anywhere as your team works through their user stories.

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