Reviewing the 3 C’s of User Stories

Velocity Partners offshore software development company’s new Principle Agile Evangelist, Bill DeVoe explains that, “The 3 C’s are a core component of good agile implementations. And making sure that we focus on delivering all 3 – especially our conversations – can help an agile team reach even loftier heights.”  He reminds us all that even if you have been practicing Agile for years (or if you are new to the practice), it is good for all practitioners to review or learn the “3 C’s.”

The 3 C’s were defined by Ron Jeffries in 2001 as the card, conversation, and confirmation.  The card started out as a 3 x 5 card, and the small size ensured it kept the story short and concise.  The evolving format focuses on: As a <role>, I want <some functionality> so that <I get some benefit>.  While it is not necessary to follow this exact format, it is a good starting point especially for Product Owners new to Agile. 

The next C stands for conversation and typically gets started when a developer reads off the card in order to begin a conversation about it.  In most cases, it is the Product Owner who begins to answer questions and gets the dialogue going regarding the story.  Bill reminds Agile practitioners that, “Conversations are the backbone of agile (if you check the Agile Manifesto, you’ll see that three of the four values deal with communication).”

Confirmation is the third C and involved the acceptance criteria.  This included the team’s consensus of when the story was complete as well as answering questions such as what should the software do when finished?  In some cases the acceptance criteria was written on the back of the card as a way to remind developers what the system should do. 

We encourage you to visit Velocity Partners’ website to learn more about our professional nearshore software development services.  By combining quality software development and staff scalability, we provide our customers with optimal business solutions. 

  

Velocity Partners expertly delivers nearshore (Western hemisphere) software development services using a distributed Agile model that offers outstanding planning, accurate delivery and optimal business value. Our team is comprised of top Agile experts, consultants, and engineers who believe in not only meeting but exceeding our customers’ expectations. Contact us to learn more about how a distributed Agile model provides high-quality software development.