France
- How to write a user story
- Simon Buehring
- 19 Feb 2026

Key takeaways
Strong user stories focus on user value and enable clear delivery decisions.Write user stories from the end user perspective using “As a… I want… so that…”.Clarify the who, what, and why, and keep technical detail light to preserve design options.
Use a persona profile to make the end user and their goal concrete.
Apply I.N.V.E.S.T. so stories are independent, valuable, small, and testable.
Add lean, measurable acceptance criteria to define Done and avoid turning it into a to-do list.Build, prioritise, estimate, and refine the backlog, splitting stories that become too large or risky.
Contents
Contents
User story example
What is a user story in agile?
Key components of a successful business case£1,299 +vat2 days or 12 hours
A successful business case is composed of several key components that work together to provide a comprehensive analysis of a proposed initiative.
Please read the article Instructor-led, self-pacedHow to write a business case for a full description of the content of a business case and a Instructor-ledBetter Business Cases Foundation exambusiness case templateAgilePM Foundation course you can use on your 40 minutes, multiple choiceprojects£1,299 +vat . Better Business Cases Foundation certificate
Understanding the costs and risks involvedSee all dates
Before committing to a new initiative, it’s important to understand the costs and risks involved. A business case should provide a comprehensive analysis of both the costs and risks of a proposed project, allowing organisations to make informed decisions.What is a user story in agile?Foundation
The cost analysis should include a detailed breakdown of all expenses, including direct costs, indirect costs, and ongoing costs. It should also provide a clear understanding of the expected return on investment and the payback period. The risk analysis should identify potential challenges and obstacles, as well as the steps required to mitigate these risks.A
By understanding the costs and risks involved, organisations can make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively, reducing the risk of failure and increasing the chances of success.user storyPractitioner
Stakeholder analysis in a business caseImagine that you are the end user speaking to the product developer. Tell the developer the benefit you will gain from using this product. The following example shows how the end user will benefit from using a smart baby monitor.
Stakeholder analysis is a critical component of a successful business case, as it helps organisations understand the needs and expectations of all stakeholders involved.Example:Professionals who develop or assure complex business cases and need to apply the method in practice.
A stakeholder analysis identifies all individuals and groups who have an interest in the initiative and assesses their level of influence, impact, and interest. This information helps organisations understand the potential risks and benefits of the initiative and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and supportive.As a [parent], I want to [check up on my sleeping baby without going into their room], so I can [ensure their safety without disturbing them].
The stakeholder analysis should also identify potential conflicts and provide recommendations for resolving these conflicts.4. Add acceptance criteriaNone
By conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis, organisations can ensure that their business case considers the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, improving the chances of success and reducing the risk of failure.In
Ensuring the success of your business caseagile4 days or 27 hours
Ensuring the success of a business case requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps to help ensure the success of your business case:, teams are required to deliver products that are potentially shippable. Acceptance criteria is the clearest and quickest way to determine whether a user story is done or not-done.
- Conduct thorough research and analysis:Each user story should have at least one acceptance criteria but try not to list too many. You can use S.M.A.R.T objectives to ensure your criteria are measurable. Always remember to write from your end user’s perspective and not confuse acceptance criteria with a to-do list.Instructor-led, self-paced Gather all relevant information and data to ensure that your business case is well-informed and persuasive.Example:
- Involve all relevant stakeholders:As a [parent], I want to [check up on my sleeping baby without going into their room], so I can [ensure their safety without disturbing them].Both exams included Ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the development of the business case, including decision-makers, subject matter experts, and end-users. – Night camera installed on baby’s cot monitor – Baby temperature and breathing monitor function – Data sent to parent’s smartphone – Parent alert sent to smartphone if problem occurs
- Be clear and concise:Enhance your skills with our expert-led coursesIncludes both exams Make sure that your business case is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid using technical jargon and use simple, straightforward language.
- Focus on the benefits: Both certificates Highlight the potential benefits of the initiative, including financial and non-financial benefits.
- Monitor progress:Instructor-ledCombined Regularly monitor the progress of the initiative and make any necessary adjustments to ensure success.AgilePM Practitioner (with Foundation) courseStill not sure which course is right for you?
By following these steps, organisations can ensure that their business case is well-structured, persuasive, and provides a clear path to success. See our quick guide
Business case and organisational decision-making£1,699 +vat or
The business case can have a significant impact on organisational decision-making. It presents a proposed solution to a business problem, backed by data and analysis, and lays out the costs, benefits, and risks associated with that solution. chat with an advisor
This information helps decision-makers weigh the options and make informed choices that align with the organisation’s goals and objectives. A well-crafted business case can provide a roadmap for implementation, help secure buy-in and support from stakeholders, and increase the chances of success.See all datesChoose how you learn
In short, a business case can help organisations make better decisions, achieve desired outcomes, and maximise return on investment. Study Better Business Cases through live online classes, self-paced e-learning, or dedicated training for teams responsible for investment decisions.
Monitoring and evaluating your business case Instructor-led
Monitoring and evaluating a business case is crucial to ensure its success and to make necessary adjustments. Regular assessments help track progress and determine if the proposed solution is delivering the expected outcomes.
Comparison of actual results with the expected results highlights areas of improvement and provides valuable insights for future Self-pacedLive classes with experienced trainersbusiness casesAgilePM Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced onlineWork through practical case examples. Regular evaluations also ensure that the business case remains relevant and aligned with the organisation’s changing priorities and objectives. Ask questions and get feedback
In conclusion, monitoring and evaluating the business case ensures that the investment made in the solution is delivering the desired results and that the organisation is getting the maximum value for its investment.£1,299 +vat
