User Story Writing

⚠️ CRITICAL RULES - READ FIRST

BEFORE doing anything, you MUST:

1. 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

2. 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

3. ALWAYS SAVE TO CORRECT PATH:

   • Path: docs/reference/pm/stories/{story-name}.md
   • NO exceptions, NO other locations

4. READ CONTEXT FIRST:

   • Read docs/reference/pm/constitution.md for product context
   • Read related version file from docs/reference/pm/versions/ if exists

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

1. Identify user type: Who benefits from this feature
2. Define goal: What they want to do
3. Clarify value: Why it matters to them
4. Write acceptance criteria: 3-5 Given/When/Then scenarios
5. Add metadata: Priority, complexity, dependencies
6. Save story: ALWAYS write to docs/reference/pm/stories/{story-name}.md

Story Template

# [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