User Story Map: how to use it to foster team and client alignment

It’s the start of a new project and you feel overwhelmed.

So much to do, that you can’t grasp the whole scope. Everything is important, and you can’t begin to set priorities. The client is waiting for answers but you are filled with questions.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be chaotic.

There are techniques available to help you organize project work. Today we will discuss one we particularly like and use here at Pixelmatters: User Story Mapping.

We’ll explain what a User Story Map is, list its benefits, provide details on how we use it, and share some tips. And to top it off, we have a surprise for you! Curious? Keep reading!

What’s a User Story Map?

A User Story Map is a collaborative exercise popularized by Jeff Patton as a way to visualize the users’ experience with a product. It’s a way to break down what needs to be done, set priorities, and ensure alignment among all stakeholders.

It consists of 3 core components:

• Backbone: The main flow or sequence of user activities.
• User Stories: Specific tasks or features that contribute to each activity.
• Release Strategy: Prioritization of user…