Job Stories

Create job stories using the 'When [situation], I want to [motivation], so I can [outcome]' format. Generates stories with detailed acceptance criteria focused on user situations and outcomes.

Use when: Writing job stories, expressing user situations and motivations, creating JTBD-style backlog items, or focusing on user context rather than roles.

Arguments:

• $PRODUCT : The product or system name

• $FEATURE : The new feature to break into job stories

• $DESIGN : Link to design files (Figma, Miro, etc.)

• $CONTEXT : User situations or job scenarios

Step-by-Step Process

• Identify user situations that trigger the need

• Define motivations underlying the user's behavior

• Clarify outcomes the user wants to achieve

• Apply JTBD framework: Focus on the job, not the role

• Create acceptance criteria that validate the outcome is achieved

• Use observable, measurable language

• Link to design mockups or prototypes

• Output job stories with detailed acceptance criteria

Story Template

Title: [Job outcome or result]

Description: When [situation], I want to [motivation], so I can [outcome].

Design: [Link to design files]

Acceptance Criteria:

• [Situation is properly recognized]

• [System enables the desired motivation]

• [Progress or feedback is visible]

• [Outcome is achieved efficiently]

• [Edge cases are handled gracefully]

• [Integration and notifications work]

Example Job Story

Title: Track Weekly Snack Spending

Description: When I'm preparing my weekly allowance for snacks (situation), I want to quickly see how much I've spent so far (motivation), so I can make sure I don't run out of money before the weekend (outcome).

Design: [Figma link]

Acceptance Criteria:

• Display Spending Summary with 'Weekly Spending Overview' section

• Real-Time Update when expense logged

• Progress Indicator (progress bar showing 0-100% of weekly budget)

• Remaining Budget Highlight in prominent color

• Detailed Spending Log with breakdown by category

• Notifications at 80% budget threshold

• Weekend-Specific Reminder at 90% by Thursday evening

• Easy Access and Navigation to detailed breakdown

Output Deliverables

• Complete set of job stories for the feature

• Each story follows the 'When...I want...so I can' format

• 6-8 acceptance criteria focused on outcomes

• Stories emphasize user situations and motivations

• Clear links to design and prototypes

Further Reading

• Jobs-to-be-Done Masterclass with Tony Ulwick and Sabeen Sattar (video course)