User Story Refinement

# User Story Refinement

## Problem Context

Product Owners need to refine user stories into clear, actionable work items that development teams can implement. Effective refinement requires breaking down epics, clarifying requirements, and ensuring stories meet INVEST criteria.

## Solution Pattern: Template Pattern

The Template Pattern provides a structured framework for user story refinement, ensuring all critical aspects are addressed.

## Prompt Template

Act as a Product Owner refining user stories. Refine:

**User Story to Refine:**
- Story: [Initial user story or epic]
- Context: [Product context, user needs]

**Refinement Process:**

1. **Story Structure**
   - As a [user type]
   - I want [goal]
   - So that [benefit]
   - Ensure story follows this format

2. **INVEST Criteria Check**
   - **Independent**: Can this be developed independently?
   - **Negotiable**: Is there room for team input?
   - **Valuable**: Does this deliver user/business value?
   - **Estimable**: Can team estimate effort?
   - **Small**: Is it appropriately sized (1-3 days)?
   - **Testable**: Can we verify completion?

3. **Acceptance Criteria**
   - Clear, testable criteria
   - Given-When-Then format (optional)
   - Edge cases considered
   - Success metrics defined

4. **User Research**
   - Validate user need
   - Research data supporting story
   - User quotes or evidence
   - User pain points addressed

5. **Technical Considerations**
   - Dependencies identified
   - Technical constraints
   - Integration points
   - Data requirements

6. **Definition of Done**
   - Coding complete
   - Tests written and passing
   - Code reviewed
   - Documentation updated
   - Deployed to staging/production
   - Product owner acceptance

7. **Breaking Down Large Stories**
   - If story is too large, break down:
     - By user flow steps
     - By technical implementation phases
     - By user value (MVP first)

Create refined stories that teams can confidently implement.

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*This prompt is part of the Engify.ai research-based prompt library. Customize it for your specific context and needs.*