Tackling Dependencies in User Stories: Challenges and Techniques

As Scrum Masters, we see first-hand the struggles teams face when trying to create independent User Stories. Dependencies can severely hinder progress, causing delays and bottlenecks that disrupt the flow of work. In this post, I’ll explore the difficulties of avoiding dependencies in User Stories and share effective techniques to help teams navigate these challenges.

Understanding the Challenges

One of the primary challenges in avoiding dependencies is the inherently interconnected nature of software systems. Changes in one area often impact multiple others, making it difficult to create User Stories that stand alone. Complex requirements compound this issue, as breaking down a feature into smaller parts frequently results in pieces that depend on each other to function fully.

Shared components or services further complicate things, as multiple User Stories might rely on the same underlying infrastructure. This scenario often leads to situations where progress on one story is contingent upon the completion of another. Moreover, some workflows are naturally sequential, requiring certain tasks to be completed before others can begin, thus creating unavoidable dependencies.

Resource constraints also play a significant role. Limited access to specialized knowledge or tools can create bottlenecks. When only one team member is equipped to perform a critical task, other stories might have to wait, leading to dependencies that slow down the entire process.

Techniques to Avoid Dependencies

To navigate these challenges, several techniques can be employed to create more independent and manageable User Stories.

One effective method is vertical slicing, which involves breaking down features into thin, end-to-end slices that deliver value independently. Instead of focusing on technical layers such as the frontend or backend, teams aim to create slices that include all necessary components to function on their own. For example, rather than creating separate stories for backend API development and frontend UI, a single story that encompasses both can deliver a small but complete piece of functionality.

Ensuring that each User Story has a clear and comprehensive Definition of Done (DoD) is another crucial technique. This helps in identifying and addressing hidden dependencies early on. Including integration tests in the DoD, for instance, ensures that each story can be tested and verified independently, reducing the risk of dependencies.

Feature toggles can also be a valuable tool. They allow teams to manage incomplete features without creating dependencies, enabling partially completed work to be integrated without affecting the overall system. By implementing a new feature behind a toggle, the team can merge code incrementally, allowing for independent testing and deployment.

When dependencies on other systems or components cannot be avoided, using mocks or stubs to simulate the performance of these dependencies can allow development to proceed independently. For example, a mock database can replicate the expected behaviour of a database schema still under construction, enabling application logic and UI components to be developed and tested without waiting for the actual database to be ready.

Decoupling systems by interface is another effective strategy. Designing systems with well-defined interfaces allows components to interact without being tightly coupled, reducing direct dependencies between them. Defining clear API contracts early in the development process enables different teams to work on implementation independently.

Careful prioritization and sequencing of work cannot avoid but indeed minimize dependencies. Addressing the most critical and foundational tasks first can unblock subsequent stories. For example, if a particular backend service is required by multiple frontend features, prioritizing its development early in the sprint can reduce dependencies.

Forming truly cross-functional teams that possess all the skills needed to complete a User Story independently is the most effective way to minimize dependencies and streamline the development process. Such teams reduce dependencies on other teams or external specialists. For instance, a team consisting of frontend developers, backend developers, and testers can handle end-to-end development, minimizing the need to wait on other teams.

Conclusion

Avoiding dependencies in User Stories is challenging but essential for effective Agile development. By suggesting the team employs techniques such as vertical slicing, clear definitions of done, feature toggles, mocking, decoupling by interface, careful prioritization, and cross-functional teams, Scrum Masters can help their teams create more independent and manageable User Stories. These practices enhance the flow of work, improve overall productivity, and foster collaboration, paving the way for successful and timely project delivery. The goal is to create small, valuable increments of work that can be completed independently, fostering an Agile environment where teams can thrive.