The term "user story" often becomes a source of confusion, leading to a cacophony of interpretations across teams. This fragmentation isn't merely a semantic issue; it's a substantial obstacle that impedes effective cross-functional collaboration. When teams don't align on what a user story truly represents, they risk speaking past each other. Some may view it as a wishlist of business requirements, while others may see it as an artifact tailored to please stakeholders. Both are misguided notions. A user story is, in fact, a meticulously constructed narrative that serves as a compass—ensuring that everyone from developers to marketers understands the foundation user's job to be done and why.
The Basic Framework is a Foundation, Not a Limitation
The user story framework is often seen as a simple model; a concise sentence or two describing what the user wants. While the basic framework provides a sturdy foundation, it should not confine our imagination. A user story should be a living document that evolves based on real-world feedback. Its aim is to form a strong yet flexible bridge between the technical and non-technical teams, from design and developers to sales and marketing.
User Validation as a Crucial Ingredient
Let's talk numbers. If more than 50% of the user stories you're designing against or grooming have not been verified through user testing, raise the red flag. This is a glaring indication that user validation is lacking, amplifying the risk to product-market fit and throttling the quality iteration velocity. Always remember: No amount of internal validation can replace genuine user feedback.
One Persona, One Story
A user story is a focused narrative, and focus requires specificity. Designing a user story around multiple personas might seem like a time-saver, but it dilutes the story’s impact. Stick to one persona; be precise and be impactful.
The Epic Level and Nested User Stories
A user story can exist at the "epic" level. Inside this epic, one can nest smaller user stories, each tied to specific, important decisions. This provides a modular approach to complex problems without losing sight of the bigger picture.
Accessible Language for Cross-Functional Teams
While a user story might be the brainchild of the design and development team, it's not meant solely for them. The language should be crafted such that someone from sales or marketing can also grasp its essence. A well-drafted user story serves as a universal playbook for the entire organization.
Transform User Story's into Hypothesis for Validation
Transforming a user story into a hypothesis is a crucial step in shifting from assumptions to data-driven decisions. A user story, which outlines what a specific user persona wants to accomplish, can be enriched by adding measurable outcomes and clear criteria for success. In this context, the user story becomes a hypothesis that says,
"We believe that [this user] will achieve [this outcome] if we implement [this feature]. We'll know we're successful when [this measurable result] occurs."
This approach brings empirical rigor to the often nebulous domain of user needs. By converting a user story into a testable hypothesis, you provide a framework for validation that invites scrutiny and opens the door to actionable insights. This not only elevates the user story but also accelerates the iterative cycle of design, testing, and refinement.
It’s Not About Use Cases
User story is not a catalog of use cases or a laundry list of functionalities. It’s a statement of intent, a declaration of a goal. It forms the ‘why’ that informs the ‘what’ and ‘how’.
User Story Examples
- As a prescriber, I want access to an updated repository of PA forms, so that I can easily find and use the latest forms without having to search online.
- As a non-prescriber, I want to know when my patient's formulary requires a re-authorization so that I can re-submit the forms without disruptions to their medication.
- As an HCP or staff member, I want the platform to provide real-time status updates on PA requests, so that I can track their progress and take necessary actions.
- As an HCP or staff member, I want the platform to provide guidance or suggestions on improving the quality or completeness of PA requests, including required documentation or supporting information, to increase the chances of approval.
- As a HCP, I want to quickly access a list of generic alternatives to prescribed medications so that I can discuss more affordable options with my patients.
- As a HCP, I want an integrated calculator within the EHR that estimates a patient's out-of-pocket drug costs based on their insurance, so I can have an informed discussion about affordability.
