### Story Types

| Type | Template | Example |
|------|----------|---------|
| Feature | As a [persona], I want to [action] so that [benefit] | As a user, I want to filter search results so that I find items faster |
| Improvement | As a [persona], I need [capability] to [goal] | As a user, I need faster page loads to complete tasks without frustration |
| Bug Fix | As a [persona], I expect [behavior] when [condition] | As a user, I expect my cart to persist when I refresh the page |
| Enabler | As a developer, I need to [technical task] to enable [capability] | As a developer, I need to implement caching to enable instant search |

### Persona Reference

| Persona | Typical Needs | Context |
|---------|--------------|---------|
| End User | Efficiency, simplicity, reliability | Daily feature usage |
| Administrator | Control, visibility, security | System management |
| Power User | Automation, customization, shortcuts | Expert workflows |
| New User | Guidance, learning, safety | Onboarding |

---

## Acceptance Criteria Patterns

Write testable acceptance criteria using Given-When-Then format.

### Given-When-Then Template

### Acceptance Criteria Checklist

Each story should include criteria for:

| Category | Example |
|----------|---------|
| Happy Path | Given valid input, When submitted, Then success message displayed |
| Validation | Should reject input when required field is empty |
| Error Handling | Must show user-friendly message when API fails |
| Performance | Should complete operation within 2 seconds |
| Accessibility | Must be navigable via keyboard only |

### Minimum Criteria by Story Size

| Story Points | Minimum AC Count |
|--------------|------------------|
| 1-2 | 3-4 criteria |
| 3-5 | 4-6 criteria |
| 8 | 5-8 criteria |
| 13+ | Split the story |

See `references/user-story-templates.md` for complete template library.

---

## Epic Breakdown Workflow

Break epics into deliverable sprint-sized stories:

1. Define epic scope and success criteria
2. Identify all personas affected by the epic
3. List all capabilities needed for each persona
4. Group capabilities into logical stories
5. Validate each story is ≤8 points
6. Identify dependencies between stories
7. Sequence stories for incremental delivery
8. **Validation:** Each story delivers standalone value; total stories cover epic scope

### Splitting Techniques

| Technique | When to Use | Example |
|-----------|-------------|---------|
| By workflow step | Linear process | "Checkout" → "Add to cart" + "Enter payment" + "Confirm order" |
| By persona | Multiple user types | "Dashboard" → "Admin dashboard" + "User dashboard" |
| By data type | Multiple inputs | "Import" → "Import CSV" + "Import Excel" |
| By operation | CRUD functionality | "Manage users" → "Create" + "Edit" + "Delete" |
| Happy path first | Risk reduction | "Feature" → "Basic flow" + "Error handling" + "Edge cases" |

### Epic Example

**Epic:** User Dashboard

**Breakdown:**

---

## Sprint Planning Workflow

Plan sprint capacity and select stories:

1. Calculate team capacity (velocity × availability)
2. Review sprint goal with stakeholders
3. Select stories from prioritized backlog
4. Fill to 80-85% of capacity (committed)
5. Add stretch goals (10-15% additional)
6. Identify dependencies and risks
7. Break complex stories into tasks
8. **Validation:** Committed points ≤85% capacity; all stories have acceptance criteria

### Capacity Calculation

### Availability Factors

| Scenario | Factor |
|----------|--------|
| Full sprint, no PTO | 1.0 |
| One team member out 50% | 0.9 |
| Holiday during sprint | 0.8 |
| Multiple members out | 0.7 |

### Sprint Loading Template

See `references/sprint-planning-guide.md` for complete planning procedures.

---

## Backlog Prioritization

Prioritize backlog using value and effort assessment.

### Priority Levels

| Priority | Definition | Sprint Target |
|----------|------------|---------------|
| Critical | Blocking users, security, data loss | Immediate |
| High | Core functionality, key user needs | This sprint |
| Medium | Improvements, enhancements | Next 2-3 sprints |
| Low | Nice-to-have, minor improvements | Backlog |

### Prioritization Factors

| Factor | Weight | Questions |
|--------|--------|-----------|
| Business Value | 40% | Revenue impact? User demand? Strategic alignment? |
| User Impact | 30% | How many users? How frequently used? |
| Risk/Dependencies | 15% | Technical risk? External dependencies? |
| Effort | 15% | Size? Complexity? Uncertainty? |

### INVEST Criteria Validation

Before adding to sprint, validate each story:

| Criterion | Question | Pass If... |
|-----------|----------|------------|
| **I**ndependent | Can this be developed without other uncommitted stories? | No blocking dependencies |
| **N**egotiable | Is the implementation flexible? | Multiple approaches possible |
| **V**aluable | Does this deliver user or business value? | Clear benefit in "so that" |
| **E**stimable | Can the team estimate this? | Understood well enough to size |
| **S**mall | Can this complete in one sprint? | ≤8 story points |
| **T**estable | Can we verify this is done? | Clear acceptance criteria |

---

## Reference Documentation

### User Story Templates

`references/user-story-templates.md` contains:

- Standard story formats by type (feature, improvement, bug fix, enabler)
- Acceptance criteria patterns (Given-When-Then, Should/Must/Can)
- INVEST criteria validation checklist
- Story point estimation guide (Fibonacci scale)
- Common story antipatterns and fixes
- Story splitting techniques

### Sprint Planning Guide

`references/sprint-planning-guide.md` contains:

- Sprint planning meeting agenda
- Capacity calculation formulas
- Backlog prioritization framework (WSJF)
- Sprint ceremony guides (standup, review, retro)
- Velocity tracking and burndown patterns
- Definition of Done checklist
- Sprint metrics and targets

---

## Tools

### User Story Generator

Generates:
- INVEST-compliant user stories
- Given-When-Then acceptance criteria
- Story point estimates (Fibonacci scale)
- Priority assignments
- Sprint loading with committed and stretch items

### Sample Output

---

## Sprint Metrics

Track sprint health and team performance.

### Key Metrics

| Metric | Formula | Target |
|--------|---------|--------|
| Velocity | Points completed / sprint | Stable ±10% |
| Commitment Reliability | Completed / Committed | >85% |
| Scope Change | Points added or removed mid-sprint | <10% |
| Carryover | Points not completed | <15% |

### Velocity Tracking

As a [persona],
I want to [action/capability],
So that [benefit/value].

As a marketing manager,
I want to export campaign reports to PDF,
So that I can share results with stakeholders who don't have system access.

Given [precondition/context],
When [action/trigger],
Then [expected outcome].