How to Create User Stories for a Mobile App

Making an app that accurately reflects the original vision is one of the most difficult aspects of the process. Creating user stories for a mobile app is one way to deal with this issue, particularly when dealing with complex project needs where you have to transform concepts into actual functionality. 

User stories make this process simpler. Our comprehensive guide covers every aspect of user stories, including their function, significance, usage examples, and specific templates of USs for mobile apps. 

What Is a User Story for a Mobile App?

A user story reflects the desire of your app users to achieve their goals via using your product. User stories are succinct, straightforward statements of a goal from the end user’s viewpoint. They do not outline a particular product feature or corporate goal. Any user stories for a mobile app example should express the user’s identity, motivations, and objectives in straightforward terms. 

Using too many details while writing user stories will be a mistake. One sentence written using informal language will be fine. Just incorporate the subsequent pattern:

• Function: “As a [user persona]”
• “I want to [complete an action]” is a feature.
• Benefit: “So that I can [get something of value]”

This is what you might get if you put this user story template together:

“As a project manager, I want to maintain my organization so I can keep my complete team on schedule.”

What Are the Elements of a User Story?

Creating user stories for a mobile app requires combining the necessary components, just like writing any other kind of story does. The most fundamental components that you can include in your user story are as follows:

• A brief description of the demand that satisfies the user’s business goal;
• Acceptance standards, or the activities or engagements required within the app to achieve the intended outcome from the user;
• Prototype and design references.

You can add whatever components seem rational to you, but keep in mind that the team will be able to grasp and execute the story better if it is kept simple.

Attributes of a Good User Story (INVEST)

Do you wonder already how to create user stories for a mobile app? The term INVEST is the greatest way to sum up the essential elements of a successful user story. Bill Wake, a specialist in agile project development and extreme programming, is credited with creating this abbreviation. Since then, INVEST has evolved into the de facto method for defining user story success. Let’s examine each component in more detail below:

Independent

Every US must be considered a separate element of the overall project.  This means that teams should be able to work on each story independently of one another, without any kind of co-dependency. There shouldn’t be any repetition or confusion among the stories. Thus, there should be no overlap. Any interdependent user stories can typically be eliminated if they are less important.

Negotiable

How to create user stories for a mobile app? Collaboration between customers, designers, programmers, and stakeholders will be necessary. Initially, there is a discussion. In an ideal scenario, everyone would understand the plot, but that is rarely the case. The priority, project needs, and scope should all be easily modifiable in stories. 

Valuable

Possibly the most significant component of a user story is its value. Eliminate the story if it doesn’t benefit the user. Every story must be crafted with the idea of adding value in mind.  

Estimable

Another critical component of user stories is the estimation of priority.  Each US needs to be sized properly so as to indicate the priority level. The highest level of priority in the development schedule might not necessarily be given to high-value features with a protracted development process. In some circumstances, achieving early victories and finishing other stories is preferable. 

Small

Every user story needs to be viewed as a discrete unit of work inside the overall project. The project management technique you’re employing will determine the precise size of the story. A story may occasionally be finished in a single sprint. They might take longer at other times. Stories shouldn’t require more than three to four days of work in accordance with agile approaches.

Testable

All user stories for a mobile app should be tested for the product after they are finished. This approach guarantees the satisfaction of acceptance criteria, which change depending on the project. 

Why Is It Important to Create User Stories for a Mobile App?

For agile software development, user stories have become essential. Teams would spend weeks crafting extremely thorough requirements and specifications for a software project before introducing agile user stories. However, there is a difference between the language used by programmers and developers and that of the general public. As a result, there would frequently be miscommunication among project stakeholders.

Without an agile user narrative, we would have the next user stories for a mobile app example in terms of requirements:

• The app has to [do this];
• Here’s what this software will accomplish: … ;
• The feature will finish [another task].

But this kind of guidance is useless. Long paragraphs of style information are the result, which many project participants won’t read or comprehend. Even the coders would pass past these since they preferred to get right to developing code. User stories altered everything. They have been long recognized as the smallest building block of an agile framework, simple to incorporate into various phases of one sprint after another.

A great user story for a mobile app example offers a number of key advantages, including:

• Putting the user first – A project team will stay task-oriented if they employ a checklist or to-do list. However, adhering to user stories keeps everyone focused on finding solutions for app users’ problems.
• Boosting cooperation — User stories assist in defining your ultimate objectives. This makes it much simpler for groups to decide together on the best course of action, guaranteeing that the end user’s demands will be met in the best way possible.
• Fostering creativity — User stories empower everyone to use their creativity instead of defining the project with dull tasks or objectives. This encourages analytical thinking and user-centered problem-solving.
• Gaining momentum – The team experiences a sense of pride each time a new user story is completed. As a result of these incremental successes, the entire project gains momentum, and the finished product doesn’t seem like an impossible task.

User stories are an incredible tool for application development, but they can be utilized for any kind of product or project management activity. How to create user stories for a mobile app with all requirements in mind? Let’s find out.

How to Create User Stories for a Mobile App

It’s time to start writing user stories for your app now that you know what makes a good one. To begin, simply adhere to the guidelines listed below:

Step 1. Identify User Personas

Identifying the different user types that will stick to your mobile application is the first step in writing user stories. When a person is connected to an app, a user persona represents what they do. 

How to create user stories for a mobile app? For illustration, let’s take a look at the well-known Instagram app. Someone may use Instagram to further their trend knowledge or as a form of self-expression. However, that same individual might also use the app for entertainment. Each of these circumstances would have a separate set of personas in the user journey. 

Step 2. Establish Goals for User Types

Create a list of various user personas. You must specify the end-user goals in your user stories for each persona. Consider the rationale behind their use of the mobile app. What benefit will they receive from using the app? 

Let’s continue using the Instagram user story as our example. The search for posts on a given topic could be the objective of the educational user. After scrolling through some hashtags, an entertainment user could want to find another piece of closely linked information. Combine these goals — they will set the foundation for your software features. 

Step 3. Define the “What” and “Why”

The “what” and “why” should be addressed via mapping user stories for a mobile app. This is often done by adhering to the following rules:

• What benefit will a feature offer the end user?
• Why would a user of this particular type wish to have the feature?

You should probably reconsider the user story and its function within your mobile app if you cannot respond to the what and why. 

Step 4. Define the Acceptance Criteria & Edge Cases

The acceptance criteria were briefly discussed before in relation to the “testable” component of the INVEST acronym for user narrative key elements.  What exactly are the requirements for acceptance? Each user story for a mobile app example should be rational in order to make sense, just like any other story. Consider the what and why before responding with “how.”

The acceptance criteria outline the precise method through which you will provide value. You shouldn’t go into the specifics of application development in your response because that will come later. Instead, use your imagination to act out the story’s events.

You may state, for instance, that a user can click a button to share a location with their friends instantly. Or perhaps they must make a particular gesture to verify their order before completing the checkout process. 

Step 5. Collect All Requirements for Each User Story

Each user story should have a clear definition of what needs to be done, how it will be done, and what the expected outcome is. 

Be sure to write down all the requirements for the implementation of the user story. These can be prototypes, design references, and necessary APIs. This can help reduce misunderstandings between developers, designers, and stakeholders and ensures that everyone is working towards a common goal.

Step 6. Run Through Your Story With the Team

Once it has been completed, there are numerous ways to validate your user story. However, two methods are the most efficient and helpful for checking your approach. Here is how to create user stories for a mobile app that will be effective when applied:

• Apply the INVEST criteria to it. Verify again to ensure you’ve covered all the fundamental requirements and if the user story satisfies them.
• Talk about it with your team. The Project Lead may give the team the specifics during a planning or brainstorming session, much like just storytelling. The staff should then address any issues or provide clarification if necessary. This makes it easier for everyone to comprehend the plot and align their viewpoints with those of the app’s creators.

The credibility of your user story will be increased by listening to other viewpoints and getting team feedback. This will also promote effective communication and collaboration with all parties involved.

Pro Tips and Best Practices for Writing User Stories

User stories are the foundation of a great mobile app. They assist you in putting your end users in the spotlight, clearly define the team’s goals, and decompose work into manageable pieces. Here are some key points to keep in mind before you begin:

Focus On User Needs

You can never go wrong if you keep your users in mind. But to truly comprehend their needs, put yourself in their position and adopt their perspective as a user.

Keep It Simple and Concise

A user stories for a mobile app example isn’t only an extra requirement but also a useful agile tool. By putting USs into practice, your team will be able to work quickly and efficiently when developing apps without adding any extra burden.

Prioritize User Stories

No matter how good an idea the team comes up with, you should reconsider your approach if it doesn’t help your users. Always consider how it will impact your user experience. 

Refine User Stories Over Time

Now that you know how to create user stories for a mobile app, keep in mind that being in contact with stakeholders and having a solid grasp of business requirements doesn’t mean having technical competence. In order to effectively manage the backlog, it is crucial to consider the viewpoints and suggestions of the development team members as they interact with the project manager. Always strive for simplicity, and ask questions if you don’t grasp something. Revise and refine, and make your USs work!

User Stories for a Mobile App: Template

Creating user stories helps ensure that the app meets the needs and expectations of its users. They provide a clear understanding of what the app will do, why it is valuable, and how it will provide a positive user experience. User stories also help prioritize development efforts, identify potential issues and edge cases, and ensure that the app provides real value to its users. Here is the template we usually apply.

User Stories for a Mobile App Example

Here we offer a few real-life examples of USs that work. Choose any user stories for a mobile app example to apply it as your model or source of inspiration.

Name: Splash screen
User Story: As a User, I want to see a screen saver with the store’s logo while waiting for the application to download so that I understand that the system is functioning correctly and the application will be loaded later.
Аcceptance criteria:
1. When loading the application, a screen saver with the store logo is displayed to the user.

2. Animation:

a) Enlargement of the logo until it occupies the entire screen.

b) Transition to the next screen according to the flow.

3. On the splash screen, dictionaries with cities, shops, hotlines, and social networks are uploaded to the local database.

a) List of cities – once a day.

b) List of stores – once a day.

c) Hotline number – once a week.

d) List of social networks – once a week.

e) Links to the website – once a week.

Name: Static onboarding
User Story: As a User, I want to be able to familiarize myself with the features of the application in order to understand what benefits are available by using the application.
Аcceptance criteria:
1. Static onboarding is displayed to the user 1 time – when the application is first opened after downloading it from the market. If the user viewed all or part of the onboarding or missed the onboarding, such onboarding should not be displayed to the user again.

2. Static onboarding is displayed after the splash screen.

3. Static onboarding consists of 3 screens. Each screen displays the following information:

a) Image.

b) Name.

c) Text.

4. Information from static onboarding pages is stored locally.

5. A progress bar is displayed to the user to understand which of the onboarding screens is currently displayed to the user.

6. By tapping on the “X” on the first and second onboarding screens, the user can skip viewing the static onboarding and proceed to the authorization process (phone number entry screen).

7. By tapping on “Next” on the first and second onboarding screens, the user goes to the next onboarding screen.

8. After tapping on “Continue” on the third onboarding screen, the user goes to the application authorization process (phone number entry screen).

Name: Authorization (Registration and Login)
User Story: As a User, I want to be able to log in as an authorized or unauthorized user in order to use the features of the application available to me.
Аcceptance criteria: 

1. The user can enter the system as an unauthorized user.

a) After tapping on the “x” element, a pop-up appears with the text: “You must be 18 years old to access the application” and the “Continue” button.

b) If the user taps on the “Continue” button, the transition to step 11 occurs.

c) If the user taps outside the pop-up or on “X”, the user remains on the phone number entry screen.

d) If the user missed the authorization, the next time he enters the application, he must go to the main screen.

2. The user can log in to the system by phone number.

a) The system pre-fills the phone number input field with the characters +380. The user cannot delete prefilled characters.

b) The user can log into the system only with a Ukrainian phone number. The system considers phone numbers starting with: 039 | 050 | 063 | 066 | 067 | 068 | 073 | 091 | 092 | 093 | 094 | 095 | 096 | 097 | 098 | 099.

c) If the user entered an incorrect phone number, the field changes to an error state, and an error message is displayed under the field.

d) When you go to the phone number entry screen, the numeric keypad automatically appears.

– The user can enter up to 9 digits in the field.

– The user cannot enter letters or other symbols in the field.

3. The user can go to study the rules of the loyalty program (pdf) and the privacy policy (pdf) without leaving the application.

4. The “Continue” button is displayed on the number entry screen.

a) The “Continue” button is disabled by default.

b) The “Continue” button becomes active if the user enters 9 digits of the phone number.

c) After tapping on the “Continue” button to the mobile number from the input field (SMS), the system will send a 4-digit OTP, and the transition to the OTP input screen will take place.

5. The system displays the phone number to which the OTP was sent.

a) By tapping on the phone number, the user goes to step 2 and can change the previously entered phone number. The phone number input field displays the phone number previously entered by the user.

– If you go to the OTP page without changing the phone number, the OTP is not redirected.

– When you next go to the OTP page with a change of phone number, the system sends the OTP to the new phone number and displays it on the OTP input screen.

6. User can confirm the phone number through OTP.

a) When you go to the OTP input screen, a numeric keypad appears.

– The user can enter up to 4 digits in the field.

– The user cannot enter letters or other symbols in the field.

b) On Android, the system prefills the OTP input field with the code received in the SMS message.

c) On iOS, the system displays a bottom sheet with the OTP code received in the SMS message, and when you tap on this message, the OTP input field is pre-filled.

7. On the OTP input screen, a countdown timer and a button “Send the code again” are displayed.

a) During the countdown, the “Send the code again” button is disabled.

b) When the counter time expires, the “Send the code again” button is enabled.

c) After tapping the “Send code again” button, a 4-digit OTP will be re-sent to the user’s mobile number (SMS).

8. The “Continue” button is displayed on the OTP input screen.

a) The “Continue” button is disabled by default.

b) The “Continue” button becomes active if 4 digits are entered in the OTP input field.

c) After tapping the “Continue” button, the system checks the entered code:

– If the code is entered incorrectly, the field with OTP is cleared, changes to error state and an error message is displayed under the field. The user can correct the code and press the “Continue” button again.

– If the code is entered correctly, then proceed to step 9.

9. The system checks whether there is an account in the database with the following phone number and user card status:

a) If there is an account in the database with the entered phone number, the status of the card is active, then the system receives its data, authorizes the user, and proceeds to step 10.

b) If there is an account in the database with the entered phone number, but the status of the card is blocked, then the system attaches a new card to the user, authorizes him in the application, and moves to step 10. After authorization, a message is displayed to the user that the old card has been blocked, and a new card and hotline phone number were created for him to get details.

c) If there is no account with the entered phone number, the system registers the user, attaches a new card to him, and authorizes the user in the application. Moving on to step 10.

10. The user sees a loader with a message that authorization to the application was successful. Go to step 11.

11. The user gets to the Main screen or to the previous screen from which the user went to authorization.

a) Authorized users who first logged in to the application via a direct link are shown a bottom sheet with a personalized (if there is a username in the system) greeting and bonuses for authorization are accrued.

b) Authorized users who first logged into the application using a referral link are shown a bottom sheet with a personalized (if there is a user name in the system) greeting and referral bonuses are accrued for authorization.

c) The bottom sheet is not displayed to users who have previously authorized the application.

d) The bottom sheet is not displayed to unauthorized users.

e) All users who have logged into the application for the first time will be prompted for geolocation permission.

12. If the user entered the phone number, went to the OTP step, and returned to the phone number entry screen, the screen should display the previously entered phone number.

a) When you go to the OTP page without changing the phone number, the code is not redirected.

b) When you next go to the OTP page with a change of phone number, the system sends the code to the new phone number and displays it on the OTP input screen.

13. If the user taps outside the keyboard, it collapses. When you tap on the input field, the keyboard appears.

14. The system allows logging in under one account from several electronic devices. There is no limit on the number of devices.

15. If the endpoints do not respond or respond with an error (500 or unknown to us), then we display a message to the user about problems in operation and a request to try the action again.

General error states:
1. If the user does not have Internet when clicking “Continue” on the phone input screen or on the OTP input screen:

a) The user is shown a snack bar with the message: “An error has occurred. Check your internet connection.”.

b) The user’s Internet connection is checked. When the connection is restored, the screen is automatically updated.

2. If a server error occurs when pressing “Continue” on the phone input screen or on the OTP input screen: a snack bar is displayed to the user with the message: “An error occurred. Please try again.”.

A great user story for a mobile app example user story makes it easier for everyone to comprehend the objective of a certain app endeavor by providing a plain language description, like the ones above. 

Summary: How to Create User Stories for a Mobile App

User stories explain the benefits offered to a user who wants to use your software to carry out an action. How to create one? Identify the user personas first. Then assign objectives to each persona. Written user stories should address the “what” and “why” of each persona. The acceptance criteria can then be defined using those queries.
The INVEST acronym should be kept in mind while you write any user stories for a mobile app example. You may get started by following the instructions in this guide and using our examples as inspiration.