LEAN, Testable Story Authoringwww.agilemethodology.us

Robert R. Betcher PMP, CSM & ACP July 01, 2015

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Why LEAN & Testable Stories?

1) To expedite time to Market(faster time to market = higher customer satisfaction = more funding = job security)

2) To reduce Miscommunications

3) Visual depictions of requirements offer a faster intake/ uptake of information(The Human Mind was designed to think in images not words)(A picture is worth a thousand words)

4) To reduce the number of meetings(less meetings = higher productivity = faster time to market)

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Why LEAN & Testable Stories? (cont’d)

To Align with these Agile Principles and Practices:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

• Working software (or product) over comprehensive documentation

• Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software (or product).

• Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage.

• Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.

• Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.

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Typical User Story Layout

Example user story

Size

3

Prio.

High

As a conference attendee..

I want to be able to register online..

so that I can register quickly and cut down on paperwork

Acceptance Criteria

Given it is mandatory that I attend the conference,

When I attempt to register in advance,

Then I would like to get an email with a confirmation number, to present to my boss.

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What is Cucumber Acceptance Criteria?ILLUSTRATIVE

Example user story

Size

3

Prio.

High

As a conference attendee..

I want to be able to register online..

so that I can register quickly and cut down on paperwork

Acceptance Criteria

Given it is mandatory that I attend the conference,

When I attempt to register in advance,

Then I would like to get an email with a confirmation number, to present to my boss.

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Excellent Model of a Succinct Testable User Story

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Visual Examples of a Story’s LEAN Supporting Documentation

ThinkDifferent

Light on Textual depictions heavy on Visual Aids