Definition
It is about taking a series of userSee end user. stories and putting them together in a meaningful and visual way. It offers a representation of the sequence of the activities and their adequate solution. By breaking down a processA set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective by taking one or more defined inputs and turning them into defined outputs., this techniqueA manner, method, or style for conducting a business analysis task or for shaping its output. grants a global view, from end-to-end vision to detailed userSee end user. stories.
Story Mapping is used to help understand a product’s functionality or the flow of usage. It also assists the prioritizationDetermining the relative importance of a set of items in order to determine the order in which they will be addressed. of products’ delivery. Therefore, it is often exposed to the delivery team during versions planning sessions.
Why to use Story Mapping?
Provides clarity and meaning to your userSee end user. stories.
Helps to planA detailed scheme for doing or achieving something usually comprising a set of events, dependencies, expected sequence, schedule, results or outcomes, materials and resources needed, and how stakeholders need to be involved. and prioritise requirements according to their importance and value.
Allows for understanding and explaining the functionalities of a systemA set of interdependent components that interact in various ways to produce a set of desired outcomes..
Easier and more versatile than a long text.
Fosters cooperation by involving all the members of your team.
Evaluates and helps to manage risks. This is achieved by analysing the stories through the delivery contextThe circumstances that influence, are influenced by, and provide understanding of the change. of the business value.
Prevents for losing yourself in the details of userSee end user. stories and to get away from the global contextThe circumstances that influence, are influenced by, and provide understanding of the change..
Although story mapping pictures a flow, it cannot analyse or illustrate the dependencies between the requirements. Nevertheless, it can be used to facilitate such an analysis.
Contexts that are not process-oriented may find Story Mapping less useful.
How to use Story Mapping
Building a Story Mapping
Example
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On top of the brief description of the method, access to:
- an explanation of when and how to use it,
- a practical example,
- tips and recommendations for use,
- downloadable checklists and templates,
- references for further reading,
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