| What is the Purpose of this definition | The purpose of this definition is to make the meaning of the terms ‘Epic’ and ‘User Story’ in the context of Scrum transparent, so all know what it is and how it is used. |
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| What is a User Story | A User Story is a way to express a requirement to a system, a service, a product, etc, in terms that are familiar to most people without the need of technical insight.
User Stories are expressed in a natural language but follow at structure that makes it clear who is stating the requirement, what do this person need and why does this person need this. It is typically structured like this: “As <persona>, I can <what?> so that <why?>”
The User Story is not a lengthy description of the requirement – it should fit on an index card or something similar.
User Stories are used in Scrum as requirements to the Scrum Team for development during a Sprint. They should therefore be unambiguous and as complete as possible, so there is no doubt in the Team about what the person is requesting. User Stories are said to adhere to the INVEST criteria.
Example of an User Story: As a user, I can indicate folders not to backup so that my backup drive isn’t filled up with things I don’t need saved.
Download a PowerPoint template:.
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| What is an Epic | An Epic is a more complex type of User Story which indicates many but related requirements. They are typically too complex to implement in a single Sprint and therefore has to be broken down before the Scrum Team can accept them for implementation.
The Epics are used to capture high-level requirement during the requirement gathering sessions in order to not forget anything. Often breaking an Epic down in more manageable User Stories requires people with a more in depth knowledge about the task to be solved than those who originally formulated the Epic.
Example of an Epic: As a user, I can manage my backup, to safe guard my data, save time and disc space.
Example of breaking down this Epic in User Stories:
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| Hints and References | The … … |
| Level: Experienced Users | What is an Epic and User Story.html; version: 1.0 |