User Story Writing
⚠️ CRITICAL RULES - READ FIRST
BEFORE doing anything, you MUST:
- •
CHECK EXISTING FILES:
- •Look in
docs/reference/pm/stories/directory - •If story file already exists, READ it first and ask user if they want to update it
- •DO NOT create duplicate story files
- •Look in
- •
ALWAYS USE THIS SKILL:
- •When user says "write story", "create story", "add story" → USE THIS SKILL
- •DO NOT write story files directly without using this skill
- •This skill ensures proper format and validation
- •
ALWAYS SAVE TO CORRECT PATH:
- •Path:
docs/reference/pm/stories/{story-name}.md - •NO exceptions, NO other locations
- •Path:
- •
READ CONTEXT FIRST:
- •Read
docs/reference/pm/constitution.mdfor product context - •Read related version file from
docs/reference/pm/versions/if exists
- •Read
Language Configuration
Before generating any content, check aico.json in project root for language field to determine the output language. If not set, default to English.
Process
- •Identify user type: Who benefits from this feature
- •Define goal: What they want to do
- •Clarify value: Why it matters to them
- •Write acceptance criteria: 3-5 Given/When/Then scenarios
- •Add metadata: Priority, complexity, dependencies
- •Save story: ALWAYS write to
docs/reference/pm/stories/{story-name}.md
Story Template
markdown
# [STORY-ID] Story Title > Project: [project-name] > Created: YYYY-MM-DD > Last Updated: YYYY-MM-DD **As a** [user type] **I want** [goal/action] **So that** [benefit/value] ### Acceptance Criteria - [ ] Given [context], when [action], then [expected result] - [ ] Given [context], when [action], then [expected result] - [ ] Given [context], when [action], then [expected result] ### Notes - Priority: P1/P2/P3 - Estimated complexity: S/M/L/XL - Dependencies: [list any dependencies]
Key Rules
- •ALWAYS specify the user type (who benefits)
- •MUST focus on user value, not technical solution
- •ALWAYS include 3-5 testable acceptance criteria
- •Use Given/When/Then format for all criteria
- •MUST save to
docs/reference/pm/stories/directory
Common Mistakes
- •❌ Vague acceptance criteria → ✅ Specific, testable conditions
- •❌ Solution-focused stories → ✅ Focus on user value
- •❌ Missing user type → ✅ Always specify who benefits