Gathering User Stories

Abstract. This SIGUCCS Academy workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential skills for effectively gathering user stories in the context of project management, software purchasing, development, or implementation. User stories are concise descriptions of desired functionality told from the user's perspective, capturing their needs and goals. The workshop will delve into the fundamental principles of user story creation, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs, defining clear acceptance criteria, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises and practical activities to apply these concepts, including conducting user interviews, crafting concise and impactful user stories, and categorizing stories based on their importance and feasibility. By the end of the workshop, attendees will possess a workable understanding of how to gather user stories that accurately reflect user requirements, contribute to successful purchasing, development or implementation, and increase user satisfaction. This workshop is suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their ability to capture and communicate user needs effectively, particularly for those in project management or business analyst roles. Skills gained include empathy, persona development, active listening, collaborative discussion, interview techniques, understanding acceptance criteria and requirement prioritization.