Explore Courses
course iconScrum AllianceCertified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconScrum AllianceCertified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconScaled AgileLeading SAFe 6.0 Certification
  • 16 Hours
Trending
course iconScrum.orgProfessional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconScaled AgileSAFe 6.0 Scrum Master (SSM) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconScaled Agile, Inc.Implementing SAFe 6.0 (SPC) Certification
  • 32 Hours
Recommended
course iconScaled Agile, Inc.SAFe 6.0 Release Train Engineer (RTE) Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconScaled Agile, Inc.SAFe® 6.0 Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
  • 16 Hours
Trending
course iconKanban UniversityKMP I: Kanban System Design Course
  • 16 Hours
course iconIC AgileICP Agile Certified Coaching (ICP-ACC)
  • 24 Hours
course iconScrum.orgProfessional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) Training
  • 16 Hours
course iconAgile Management Master's Program
  • 32 Hours
Trending
course iconAgile Excellence Master's Program
  • 32 Hours
Agile and ScrumScrum MasterProduct OwnerSAFe AgilistAgile CoachFull Stack Developer BootcampData Science BootcampCloud Masters BootcampReactNode JsKubernetesCertified Ethical HackingAWS Solutions Artchitct AssociateAzure Data Engineercourse iconPMIProject Management Professional (PMP) Certification
  • 36 Hours
Best seller
course iconAxelosPRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner Certificationn
  • 32 Hours
course iconAxelosPRINCE2 Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconAxelosPRINCE2 Practitioner Certification
  • 16 Hours
Change ManagementProject Management TechniquesCertified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) CertificationOracle Primavera P6 CertificationMicrosoft Projectcourse iconJob OrientedProject Management Master's Program
  • 45 Hours
Trending
course iconProject Management Master's Program
  • 45 Hours
Trending
PRINCE2 Practitioner CoursePRINCE2 Foundation CoursePMP® Exam PrepProject ManagerProgram Management ProfessionalPortfolio Management Professionalcourse iconAWSAWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
  • 32 Hours
Best seller
course iconAWSAWS Cloud Practitioner Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconAWSAWS DevOps Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconMicrosoftAzure Fundamentals Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconMicrosoftAzure Administrator Certification
  • 24 Hours
Best seller
course iconMicrosoftAzure Data Engineer Certification
  • 45 Hours
Recommended
course iconMicrosoftAzure Solution Architect Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconMicrosoftAzure Devops Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconAWSSystems Operations on AWS Certification Training
  • 24 Hours
course iconAWSArchitecting on AWS
  • 32 Hours
course iconAWSDeveloping on AWS
  • 24 Hours
course iconJob OrientedAWS Cloud Architect Masters Program
  • 48 Hours
New
course iconCareer KickstarterCloud Engineer Bootcamp
  • 100 Hours
Trending
Cloud EngineerCloud ArchitectAWS Certified Developer Associate - Complete GuideAWS Certified DevOps EngineerAWS Certified Solutions Architect AssociateMicrosoft Certified Azure Data Engineer AssociateMicrosoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) CourseAWS Certified SysOps Administrator AssociateMicrosoft Certified Azure Developer AssociateAWS Certified Cloud Practitionercourse iconAxelosITIL 4 Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconAxelosITIL Practitioner Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconPeopleCertISO 14001 Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconPeopleCertISO 20000 Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconPeopleCertISO 27000 Foundation Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconAxelosITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support Training
  • 24 Hours
course iconAxelosITIL 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value Training
  • 24 Hours
course iconAxelosITIL 4 Strategist Direct, Plan and Improve Training
  • 16 Hours
ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support ExamITIL 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV) CourseITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and ImproveITIL 4 Foundationcourse iconJob OrientedData Science Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
Trending
course iconJob OrientedData Engineer Bootcamp
  • 289 Hours
course iconJob OrientedData Analyst Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
course iconJob OrientedAI Engineer Bootcamp
  • 288 Hours
New
Data Science with PythonMachine Learning with PythonData Science with RMachine Learning with RPython for Data ScienceDeep Learning Certification TrainingNatural Language Processing (NLP)TensorflowSQL For Data Analyticscourse iconIIIT BangaloreExecutive PG Program in Data Science from IIIT-Bangalore
  • 12 Months
course iconMaryland UniversityExecutive PG Program in DS & ML
  • 12 Months
course iconMaryland UniversityCertificate Program in DS and BA
  • 31 Weeks
course iconIIIT BangaloreAdvanced Certificate Program in Data Science
  • 8+ Months
course iconLiverpool John Moores UniversityMaster of Science in ML and AI
  • 750+ Hours
course iconIIIT BangaloreExecutive PGP in ML and AI
  • 600+ Hours
Data ScientistData AnalystData EngineerAI EngineerData Analysis Using ExcelDeep Learning with Keras and TensorFlowDeployment of Machine Learning ModelsFundamentals of Reinforcement LearningIntroduction to Cutting-Edge AI with TransformersMachine Learning with PythonMaster Python: Advance Data Analysis with PythonMaths and Stats FoundationNatural Language Processing (NLP) with PythonPython for Data ScienceSQL for Data Analytics CoursesAI Advanced: Computer Vision for AI ProfessionalsMaster Applied Machine LearningMaster Time Series Forecasting Using Pythoncourse iconDevOps InstituteDevOps Foundation Certification
  • 16 Hours
Best seller
course iconCNCFCertified Kubernetes Administrator
  • 32 Hours
New
course iconDevops InstituteDevops Leader
  • 16 Hours
KubernetesDocker with KubernetesDockerJenkinsOpenstackAnsibleChefPuppetDevOps EngineerDevOps ExpertCI/CD with Jenkins XDevOps Using JenkinsCI-CD and DevOpsDocker & KubernetesDevOps Fundamentals Crash CourseMicrosoft Certified DevOps Engineer ExperteAnsible for Beginners: The Complete Crash CourseContainer Orchestration Using KubernetesContainerization Using DockerMaster Infrastructure Provisioning with Terraformcourse iconTableau Certification
  • 24 Hours
Recommended
course iconData Visualisation with Tableau Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconMicrosoftMicrosoft Power BI Certification
  • 24 Hours
Best seller
course iconTIBCO Spotfire Training
  • 36 Hours
course iconData Visualization with QlikView Certification
  • 30 Hours
course iconSisense BI Certification
  • 16 Hours
Data Visualization Using Tableau TrainingData Analysis Using Excelcourse iconEC-CouncilCertified Ethical Hacker (CEH v12) Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconISACACertified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification
  • 22 Hours
course iconISACACertified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification
  • 40 Hours
course icon(ISC)²Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • 40 Hours
course icon(ISC)²Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconCertified Information Privacy Professional - Europe (CIPP-E) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconISACACOBIT5 Foundation
  • 16 Hours
course iconPayment Card Industry Security Standards (PCI-DSS) Certification
  • 16 Hours
course iconIntroduction to Forensic
  • 40 Hours
course iconPurdue UniversityCybersecurity Certificate Program
  • 8 Months
CISSPcourse iconCareer KickstarterFull-Stack Developer Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
Best seller
course iconJob OrientedUI/UX Design Bootcamp
  • 3 Months
Best seller
course iconEnterprise RecommendedJava Full Stack Developer Bootcamp
  • 6 Months
course iconCareer KickstarterFront-End Development Bootcamp
  • 490+ Hours
course iconCareer AcceleratorBackend Development Bootcamp (Node JS)
  • 4 Months
ReactNode JSAngularJavascriptPHP and MySQLcourse iconPurdue UniversityCloud Back-End Development Certificate Program
  • 8 Months
course iconPurdue UniversityFull Stack Development Certificate Program
  • 9 Months
course iconIIIT BangaloreExecutive Post Graduate Program in Software Development - Specialisation in FSD
  • 13 Months
Angular TrainingBasics of Spring Core and MVCFront-End Development BootcampReact JS TrainingSpring Boot and Spring CloudMongoDB Developer Coursecourse iconBlockchain Professional Certification
  • 40 Hours
course iconBlockchain Solutions Architect Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconBlockchain Security Engineer Certification
  • 32 Hours
course iconBlockchain Quality Engineer Certification
  • 24 Hours
course iconBlockchain 101 Certification
  • 5+ Hours
NFT Essentials 101: A Beginner's GuideIntroduction to DeFiPython CertificationAdvanced Python CourseR Programming LanguageAdvanced R CourseJavaJava Deep DiveScalaAdvanced ScalaC# TrainingMicrosoft .Net Frameworkcourse iconSalary Hike GuaranteedSoftware Engineer Interview Prep
  • 3 Months
Data Structures and Algorithms with JavaScriptData Structures and Algorithms with Java: The Practical GuideLinux Essentials for Developers: The Complete MasterclassMaster Git and GitHubMaster Java Programming LanguageProgramming Essentials for BeginnersComplete Python Programming CourseSoftware Engineering Fundamentals and Lifecycle (SEFLC) CourseTest-Driven Development for Java ProgrammersTypeScript: Beginner to Advanced
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Agile
  • User Stories in JIRA: Structure, Importance, How to Create

User Stories in JIRA: Structure, Importance, How to Create

By Rumesh Wijetunge

Updated on Feb 06, 2018 | 4 min read

Share:

In the world of project management, Jira is like the superhero that makes everything smoother, streamlining workflows, and bringing teams together effortlessly. Imagine it as the secret sauce for successful projects. And at the core of its magic are user stories—those little stories that play a big role in Agile development. To guide you through the exciting journey of creating user stories in JIRA. Let's dive into the art of storytelling, making sure your stories are not just clear but also bring your team together for project victories. Whether you're a pro or just starting out with Agile, this guide is packed with insights to boost your user story game and make your projects shine.

Writing user stories on an index card is actually the ‘Card’ part of the 3 C’s in user stories. It is said that a user story should be long enough to fit into an index card and be detailed enough to arouse discussion.

What is User Story in Jira?

Picture user stories as short, user-focused tales that bring specific functionalities to life from the perspective of those using the product. In the world of Jira, these stories become the heartbeat of Agile teamwork, encouraging collaboration among diverse teams. If you're looking to deepen your understanding and expertise in Jira, consider exploring Jira certification. Understanding how to write user stories in JIRA is essential, ensuring not just their structure but also recognizing the vital role they play in steering projects to success.

Basic Structure of User Story

Think of user stories as a friendly trio – the story card, a lively conversation, and the nod of confirmation through acceptance criteria (forming the popular 3c’s of a user story in Agile). This dynamic structure isn't just a formality; it's your passport to a shared understanding of user needs, promoting a smooth dance platform of collaboration among developers, testers, and product owners. If you're eager to enhance your skills in agile project management, exploring comprehensive Agile courses can provide valuable insights into optimizing teamwork and project success. Moreover, for those aiming for mastery, consider delving into KnowledgeHut Jira certification, adding a powerful dimension to your ability to write compelling user stories in JIRA.

How to Create User Stories in JIRA?

A new user story in JIRA can be created by selecting the option to create a new issue of type ‘Story’ as shown below:

Insider Tips to Land Your Dream Scrum Master Job

Includes Scrum Resume Sample

The user story in the format listed above can be written in the summary field of the new issue creation screen. 

User story definition should satisfy the INVEST criteria which implies that the JIRA user stories should be:

  • Independent (of all other user stories and be able to exist on its own)
  • Negotiable (not a specific contract for features but be able to be used to facilitate discussion among relevant stakeholders)
  • Valuable (create some business value)
  • Estimable (to a good approximation)
  • Small (to fit within an iteration)
  • Testable (in principle, even if there isn’t a test for it yet)

JIRA also provides the option to set the priority of JIRA user stories which might have been done based on the MoSCoW criteria, due dates, assign the story to a team member of the project, allocate a story point/hour based effort estimation for the story, tag the user story to a component level feature or in other words ‘Epic’ and be able to assign the story to a sprint during which the story is required to be implemented.

A. Adding Descriptions to User Stories

The 2nd C of the 3 C’s in user stories, ' Confirmation’, is used to specify the user story's acceptance criteria. An acceptance criterion is used to ascertain when a particular user story can be marked as done and is normally used by the product owner to validate the same. The acceptance criteria also help the development team implement the business rules, and functionality and will be the single point of reference for the Quality Assurance Team. The description field in JIRA issue creation allows the user to specify the acceptance criteria. Enroll in KnowledgeHut JIRA course to kick-start your profession.

B. Enabling Discussion

Another main aspect of writing requirements as user stories in JIRA is to enable conversation about the feature among relevant stakeholders. This is known as the ‘Conversation’ component of user stories which is the 3rd C in the 3C’s. 

Often, user stories are accompanied by a process diagram, UI wireframe or a mockup, data dictionary, etc., which can be added as attachments in JIRA or even be associated with the story as comments, or wiki page links maintained in confluence.

How to Create JIRA User Story Template? [Step-by-Step]

Creating a user story in Jira involves a structured process to effectively capture end-user requirements. Begin by identifying the user persona, clearly defining who the functionality is intended for. Describe the specific action the user wants to perform and articulate the benefit or value gained from this action. Utilize Jira's user story template, breaking down complex functionalities into manageable narratives. This step-by-step approach ensures a comprehensive understanding and sets the foundation for successful collaboration among team members throughout the development lifecycle.

Step 1: Identify the User: Clearly define the end user for whom the functionality is intended.

Step 2: Describe the Action: Detail the specific action the user wants to perform.

Step 3: State the Benefit: Articulate the benefit or value the user gains from the action.

Best Practices and Tips for User Story in JIRA 

  • User-Centric Approach - Keep the user at the centre of the narrative: The essence of user stories lies in addressing the needs and expectations of end-users. A user-centric approach emphasizes understanding the users' perspectives, their pain points, and the value they seek from the software. This involves creating user stories in JIRA that reflect real-life scenarios and focusing on how the end-user interacts with the product. By keeping the user at the centre, teams ensure that every development effort is aligned with delivering maximum value to the end-user. 
  • Granularity - Break down complex functionalities into smaller, manageable user stories: Granularity in user stories involves breaking down larger features or functionalities into smaller, more manageable pieces. This practice ensures that each user story represents a specific, well-defined functionality that can be developed, tested, and delivered independently. By decomposing complex tasks into smaller stories, teams can maintain a clear focus, facilitate more accurate estimation, and create a roadmap for incremental development. This approach aligns with agile principles, allowing for iterative and value-driven delivery. 
  • Collaboration - Foster open communication and collaboration among team members: Collaboration is the heartbeat of agile methodologies, and user stories are no exception. Teams must encourage open communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including product owners, developers, testers, and other relevant team members. Regular communication ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding user story requirements, goals, and priorities. This collaborative environment promotes shared understanding, reduces misunderstandings, and contributes to the creation of high-quality user stories that effectively meet user needs. 
  • Regular Refinement - Continuously refine and prioritize user stories based on changing project dynamics: Agile projects are dynamic, and user stories must evolve with changing requirements and project priorities. Regular refinement involves revisiting and updating user stories to reflect the latest insights, feedback, or changes in project goals. Teams should prioritize user stories in JIRA based on business value, dependencies, and evolving user needs. This continuous refinement process allows for flexibility in adapting to changing project dynamics, ensuring that the team remains responsive to emerging requirements and can adjust their priorities accordingly. 

Importance of Writing JIRA User Stories

  • Facilitating Clarity and Communication: User stories play a pivotal role in enhancing communication within a team by establishing a common understanding of project requirements. By telling clear stories, they act as a bridge, cutting through the technical talk and making sure everyone's on the same page.
  • Strategic Prioritization: Beyond mere communication, user stories become valuable tools for prioritization, aiding teams in deciding which tasks take priority based on both user needs and project objectives. This strategic approach ensures that efforts are directed towards the most impactful aspects, aligning with the project's overall goals.
  • Enabling Incremental Development: Embracing the agile philosophy, JIRA user stories champion incremental development. With each iteration, teams deliver tangible value, breaking down complex features into manageable, iterative steps. This iterative process not only ensures consistent progress but also allows for frequent reassessment and adjustments.
  • Embracing Adaptability: In the dynamic landscape of project development, adaptability is paramount. User stories, with their inherent flexibility, accommodate changes in requirements, facilitating a fluid and responsive approach to project development. This adaptability ensures that the project can evolve seamlessly in response to shifting priorities or emerging insights.

When Should User Stories in JIRA be Created?

User stories are like the seeds of a project – they sprout at the project's beginning or during those cozy backlog grooming sessions. But the story doesn't end there; it's an evolving saga. Continuous refinement is the secret sauce, ensuring these stories grow and adapt alongside the project. Whether it's the project's kick-off or a mid-development twist, creating and fine-tuning user stories is an ongoing narrative, always in tune with the ever-changing project requirements. 

Boost your career with PMP certs. Stand out in the competitive job market and enhance your project management skills. Get certified today!

Conclusion 

Acquiring proficiency in crafting user stories within the JIRA framework empowers agile teams to deliver software that truly meets user needs. It involves not only grasping the basic structure but also acknowledging the significance of JRA user stories as vital components in the agile development process. Best practices, such as adopting a user-centric approach, breaking down complex functionalities into manageable stories, fostering collaboration, and regular refinement, ensure that user stories remain effective tools for communication and delivery. Embracing these practices allows teams to navigate project intricacies with finesse, promoting a harmonious blend of clarity, collaboration, and successful outcomes. In the collaborative landscape of Jira, let user stories be the guiding light illuminating the path to project success. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I consider when prioritizing Jira user stories?

2. How often should Jira user stories be reviewed and refined?

3. What are the key elements to include in a Jira user story?

Rumesh Wijetunge

40 articles published

Get Free Consultation

+91

By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy

Ready to lead with Scrum expertise?

Suggested Blogs