Notendasögur

Notendasögur, often translated as user stories, are a fundamental concept in agile software development. They are short, simple descriptions of a feature from the perspective of the person who desires the new capability, usually a user or customer of the system. The typical format is "As a [type of user], I want [some goal] so that [some reason]." This structure helps development teams understand the "who," "what," and "why" behind a feature request.

User stories are intentionally brief and focus on delivering value to the end-user. They are not detailed specifications but rather placeholders for conversations. The discussion around a user story is as important as the story itself, as it allows for clarification, negotiation, and a shared understanding of the requirements. This collaborative approach ensures that the team builds what the user actually needs.

The "so that" clause is crucial as it articulates the business value or user benefit. It provides context and helps prioritize work, as features that deliver greater value are typically addressed first. User stories are often written on index cards or digital tools and are used to plan sprints or iterations. They are part of a larger backlog of work that is continuously refined and reprioritized by the product owner.

In essence, notendasögur serve as a communication tool, fostering collaboration between business stakeholders and the development team. They promote flexibility and adaptability, allowing for changes in requirements as understanding evolves throughout the development process.