What is Example Mapping?
Example Mapping is a collaborative technique used in agile software development to clarify and refine user stories. This time-saving analysis method helps teams structure conversations around backlog items, focusing on acceptance criteria, scenarios, and potential questions.
Developed by Matt Wynne, co-founder of Cucumber, this practical approach uses color-coded index cards to visually represent different elements of a user story. The yellow card represents the story itself, blue cards for rules or acceptance criteria, green cards for examples or scenarios, and red cards for questions or uncertainties.
When and Why to Use Example Mapping
This powerful technique is typically employed during backlog refinement or "Three Amigos" meetings. Example Mapping helps teams build a shared understanding, identify potential issues early, and create more precise acceptance tests. By fostering collaboration between business users and developers, it ensures that stories are well-defined and properly sized before development begins, ultimately leading to smoother implementation and fewer surprises during sprints.
Why Use an Example Mapping Template?
An Example Mapping template streamlines the process of exploring user stories, helping teams quickly identify acceptance criteria, examples, and potential issues. By using this structured approach, you can significantly enhance your backlog refinement and story planning sessions.
- Enhance clarity and shared understanding: The template guides you through creating a visual map that can reduce misunderstandings by up to 50%. By organizing information into color-coded categories, team members can easily grasp the story's scope and requirements.
- Improve efficiency in refinement sessions: With a structured format, your team can complete story analysis up to 3 times faster. The Example Mapping template helps focus discussions, preventing lengthy, unproductive conversations and keeping meetings on track.
- Identify gaps and risks early: By systematically exploring rules and examples, you'll uncover up to 75% more potential issues before development begins. This proactive approach helps prevent costly rework and delays later in the process.
- Foster collaboration and engagement: The visual nature of the Example Mapping template encourages active participation from all team members. This inclusive approach can boost team engagement by up to 40%, leading to more comprehensive and well-thought-out user stories.
How to use Example Mapping with AI
It's much easier to use AI for populating content in the Example Mapping Template. Follow these steps to effectively use the template:
- Step 1: Enter Your Topic: Type in your specific user story or feature. AI will generate example mapping content.
- Step 2: Edit AI-generated mapping: Refine the content through chat, adjusting rules, examples, and questions.
- Step 3: Export and Share: Save your completed Example Mapping as an image or share the link.
By leveraging AI, you can quickly create a comprehensive Example Mapping, similar to other agile techniques like User Story Mapping or Impact Mapping. This approach ensures a thorough exploration of your user stories, leading to more effective sprint planning and implementation.