Developing Epics and User Stories for Testers Part 2

Very few organisations start from scratch with product development. Existing documentation and systems should be evaluated for supporting information that can feed into the epic and user story refining process. Prior project documentation can be used as a lessons-learned for testers on challenges and successes with test case development, prioritisation and execution for similar initiatives.

Systems that are being replaced should be evaluated to understand current processes and the changes that will take place for end users. It is important however, to not allow these designs to hamper innovation in the new product but, to use the existing data as a reference point.

Observing the “day in the life”

A common challenge in the development of new products, is having a detailed understanding of the end user who will be most impacted. Early persona development can be refined and even challenged by shadowing a user during their day to day activities. Testers can benefit by learning the shortcuts that users have invariably devised to complete daily tasks. Developing test cases that either embrace these efficiencies or those designed to enhance efficiency, can be best completed by observing user habits.

The user sample will first need to be established as well as the group conducting the observation. The user sample should align with the established personas and the scrum team should be open to including new personas if warranted. It is important to avoid overwhelming the user during their day to day activities. At least one member of the scrum team with testing responsibility should participate.

Initial knowledge of the role from a briefing by leadership of the user group or documentation is beneficial so the observers have a basic understanding of the operation. Establishing objectives and desired outcome by scrum team members will be used to create an agenda.

Observations will be documented and reviewed at a later time with the scrum team in order to refine user stories based on habits and potential updates to the product.

Testers are integral in the creation and refinement of epics and user stories. The testers will need to understand the details surrounding the personas who are expected to use the product features. User Story refining should align with test case creation in order to support test driven development efforts. Testers are integral participants in the creation and refinement of epics.

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