What does a user story typically include?

A user story typically includes an obstacle that the user is facing and their ultimate goal, which helps to define the context of the user's needs and the desired outcome from a product or service. This format focuses on understanding the user's perspective, emphasizing their motivations and challenges. In user-centered design and agile development, user stories serve as a concise way to convey what a user wants to achieve, allowing designers and developers to prioritize features based on user needs.

When constructing a user story, it usually takes the format: "As a [type of user], I want [goal] so that [reason]." By focusing on both the obstacle and the user's goal, the story provides clear guidance for creating solutions that directly address the user's pain points, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. Including this detail helps teams identify which features will provide the most value and ensures that the end product is aligned with the users' needs and expectations.