The Art of Slicing User Stories and Creating a Backlog from Scratch

User Stories and Backlogs are essential tools in an Agile development context. But how do we get User Stories to be the right size? (And what even is this?) And how do we create a Backlog when all we have is an empty sheet of paper and a dream? In this training we explore these topics in a clear and structured way, through active workshops, using real life examples.

Training type: Open session and In Company
Duration : 1 day

This training will enable you to:

  • Create a Backlog confidently, even from a vague project outline
  • Create a Backlog that focuses on Business Value rather than technical requirements
  • Write good user stories, and know how to develop them throughout their lifecycle
  • Build your Backlog with “vertically sliced” items, allowing true iterative delivery
  • Split User Stories using handy techniques and tools
  • Apply the INVEST principle correctly
  • Work with User Stories and Backlogs in more technically scoped projects as well

Pedagogical approach

In this training, we will provide an important theoretical structure, which we will then apply in a hands-on practical manner.
The day will mostly be spent in a workshop fashion; active participation is a must. There will be ample room for intervision, and sharing experiences with each other. We will learn from each other and use real-life situations and problems as much as possible.
Participants are highly encouraged to bring examples of situations that they struggled with.

Content

  • Introduction to Backlog and User Story Map
  • Definition of “horizontal development”
  • Definition and techniques of User Stories
  • Introduction to the INVEST technique
  • Technical approach to slicing User Stories

This training is aimed for:

  • Everyone who works in, or adjacent to, an Agile development team. Most particularly Product Owners and (Functional) Analysts.

No prerequisites are required.

Typical program