Job Stories

Job Stories

Create job stories using the 'When [situation], I want to [motivation], so I can [outcome]' format. Generates stories with detailed acceptance criteria focused on user situations and outcomes.

Use when: Writing job stories, expressing user situations and motivations, creating JTBD-style backlog items, or focusing on user context rather than roles.

Arguments:

• $PRODUCT: The product or system name
• $FEATURE: The new feature to break into job stories
• $DESIGN: Link to design files (Figma, Miro, etc.)
• $CONTEXT: User situations or job scenarios

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify user situations that trigger the need
2. Define motivations underlying the user's behavior
3. Clarify outcomes the user wants to achieve
4. Apply JTBD framework: Focus on the job, not the role
5. Create acceptance criteria that validate the outcome is achieved
6. Use observable, measurable language
7. Link to design mockups or prototypes
8. Output job stories with detailed acceptance criteria

Story Template

Title: [Job outcome or result]

Description: When [situation], I want to [motivation], so I can [outcome].

Design: [Link to design files]

Acceptance Criteria:

1. [Situation is properly recognized]
2. [System enables the desired motivation]
3. [Progress or feedback is visible]
4. [Outcome is achieved efficiently]
5. [Edge cases are handled gracefully]
6. [Integration and notifications work]

Example Job Story

Title: Track Weekly Snack Spending

Description: When I'm preparing my weekly allowance for snacks (situation), I want to quickly see how much I've spent so far (motivation), so I can make sure I don't run out of money before the weekend (outcome).

Design: [Figma link]

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Display Spending Summary with 'Weekly Spending Overview' section
2. Real-Time Update when expense logged
3. Progress Indicator (progress bar showing 0-100% of weekly budget)
4. Remaining Budget Highlight in prominent color
5. Detailed Spending Log with breakdown by category
6. Notifications at 80% budget threshold
7. Weekend-Specific Reminder at 90% by Thursday evening
8. Easy Access and Navigation to detailed breakdown

Output Deliverables

• Complete set of job stories for the feature
• Each story follows the 'When...I want...so I can' format
• 6-8 acceptance criteria focused on outcomes
• Stories emphasize user situations and motivations
• Clear links to design and prototypes

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Further Reading

• Jobs-to-be-Done Masterclass with Tony Ulwick and Sabeen Sattar (video course)