User Story

A short description of a feature from the user's point of view, usually in the form: as a type of user, I want to do something, so that I get some benefit.

Why it matters

User stories keep a team focused on the outcome a user needs rather than a list of features to build. They anchor product work in real value, which is easy to lose sight of once you are heads-down building.

For example

A backlog item reads: as a busy founder, I want to snooze emails, so that my inbox only shows what needs me now.

Related terms

Product Backlog Jobs to Be Done Product Roadmap

Go deeper

See how founders actually handle this on Building the product, part of the Starting Up hub.

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