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Understand the Feature Context
Review the PRD or feature description. Understand the overall goal, target users, and scope boundaries. User stories should trace back to documented requirements.
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Identify User Personas
Determine which users interact with this feature. Each story should be written for a specific persona, not generic "users." Different personas may need different stories for the same feature.
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Break Down by User Goal
Decompose the feature into distinct user goals. Each story should deliver a complete, valuable capability . something the user can actually do when the story is done.
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Write Story Statements
Use the format: "As a [persona], I want [action] so that [benefit]." The benefit clause is critical . it explains why this matters and helps prioritize.
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Define Acceptance Criteria
Write specific, testable criteria using Given/When/Then format. Acceptance criteria define "done" . if all criteria pass, the story is complete.
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Apply INVEST Criteria
Validate each story against INVEST: Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable. Revise stories that don't meet these criteria.
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Add Context and Notes
Include relevant design references, technical considerations, and dependencies. These help implementers understand the full picture.