What is a pattern for splitting Features into Stories?
a. Layers of the technology stack
b. Variations in data
c. Team Skills
d. Task to complete
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: d. Task to complete
Explanation:
In Agile software development, particularly in Scrum, a Feature is a high-level functionality or capability that delivers business value. To make it actionable and manageable within a sprint, it’s common to split a Feature into smaller, more manageable units called User Stories.
The most effective and user-centric pattern for splitting Features into Stories is based on “tasks to complete”. This method involves breaking the feature down according to the specific actions or goals the user wants to achieve. This ensures that each Story delivers a small, but meaningful piece of value to the end-user.
Here’s why “task to complete” is the best choice:
- Focus on User Value: Each story should represent a complete piece of functionality from the user’s perspective. Splitting by tasks helps preserve the narrative of “As a [user], I want to [do something], so that [benefit].”
- Incremental Delivery: When Stories are based on tasks the user needs to accomplish, it allows the team to deliver value incrementally. This supports early feedback and continuous improvement.
- Testability: Task-based Stories are easier to validate, both for developers writing tests and stakeholders verifying the functionality.
- Avoids Technical Fragmentation: Unlike splitting by technology layers (option a), task-based splitting keeps the focus on delivering end-to-end functionality, reducing risk of silos or partial deliveries.
- Better Prioritization: Stakeholders can more easily prioritize Stories when they align with tasks users perform, rather than abstract technical components.
In contrast:
- a. Layers of the technology stack often leads to vertical slices that aren’t usable by end-users.
- b. Variations in data may be useful later for edge cases, but not as a primary pattern.
- c. Team skills is more about resourcing and doesn’t align with Agile principles of cross-functional collaboration.