Understanding the Role of User Stories in Scrum Documentation

User Stories are a fundamental part of Agile methodologies, often used to capture the requirements from the user’s perspective. Whether or not they should be part of the documentation generated by a Scrum project depends on specific team agreements and the Definition of Done.

Exam Question

Should User Stories be part of the documentation generated by a Scrum project?
(choose the best answer)
A. They must be provided to the Developers as part of the user specifications documents.
B. Never.
C. If they are part of the Definition of Done.
D. If the architect requires it.
E. Always.

Correct Answer

C. If they are part of the Definition of Done.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C. If they are part of the Definition of Done:
In Scrum, whether User Stories are included as part of the project documentation depends on what the Scrum Team has agreed upon in their Definition of Done. The Definition of Done represents the set of criteria that a Product Backlog item must meet to be considered complete. If the team has decided that User Stories should be documented as part of their Definition of Done, then they must be included in the project documentation.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

A. They must be provided to the Developers as part of the user specifications documents:
Scrum does not require User Stories to be part of a formal user specification document. User Stories are typically used as a way to capture requirements but are not mandated to be documented in this manner.

B. Never:
This option is too absolute. The inclusion of User Stories in documentation depends on the team’s agreements and the Definition of Done.

D. If the architect requires it:
While an architect may have input, the decision to include User Stories in documentation should be made by the entire Scrum Team and reflected in the Definition of Done.

E. Always:
User Stories do not always have to be part of the documentation unless the Scrum Team has defined this as part of their process. The need to document User Stories should be based on the Definition of Done, not a blanket rule.

Relevance to the PSD Exam

Understanding when User Stories should be part of Scrum project documentation is essential for the PSD exam. This knowledge highlights the importance of the Definition of Done and team agreements in determining what constitutes a complete and releasable Increment.

Key Takeaways

• Definition of Done: The inclusion of User Stories in documentation depends on the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done.
• Team Agreement: Decisions about what to include in project documentation should be made collectively by the Scrum Team.

Conclusion

User Stories should be part of the documentation generated by a Scrum project if they are included in the team’s Definition of Done. This ensures that all criteria for a complete and releasable Increment are met. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.