In this article we will discuss the typical Antipatterns seen in a User Story.
Scrum guide does not mention user stories specifically, but they have become the norm to articulate user requirements for the products while working in Scrum. Read this article to understand more details about the concept of user story
Writing user stories helps teams build better software. A clear story shows what the user needs and why it matters. But writing good stories is not always easy. Even skilled teams run into problems. Some stories are too short, too long, or too focused on tech details. These issues, called bad patterns, can slow teams down. They can also confuse people. In this article, we will look at the common problems with user stories. We will also show how to avoid these mistakes. Finally, we will share tips to write stories that help your team and your users.
User Story Anti Patterns
The Incomplete Story Antipattern
As a website visitor, I want to login using social media
What is wrong
Too vague and incomplete — it doesn’t say which social platforms or what should happen after login.
Suggestions
- Be specific about which platforms (e.g., Google, Facebook).
- Add the goal or benefit (e.g., to avoid creating a new account).
“System User” Anti Pattern
As a System, I want to log every transaction so we have a trail
What is wrong
System is not a human being – It does not have a value perception! When we write a user story like this it reduces the talk about “human”. It also reduces the possibility of discussion and better approaches to get the same work done
Suggestions
Add the story from perspective of a human being will want the transaction trail for example,
“As an auditor, I want all transactions to be logged so I can trace activity.”
“As a compliance officer, I want a transaction log so we meet regulatory requirements.”
Anti Pattern: Should be An Epic Instead Of Story
As a user, I want a new reporting module so I can see all company data.
What is wrong
Too big and unclear — “all company data” is too broad and undefined.
Suggestions
- Break this into smaller, focused stories (e.g., sales reports, user activity).
- Define what data is needed and why.
Too Much Detail Anti Pattern
As a user, I want a dropdown menu with options A, B, and C on the settings page, which upon selection updates the configuration file in XML format, so I can customize my preferences.
What is wrong
Too detailed — includes tech building and screen design design.
Suggestions
- Focus on the user need, not the solution (e.g., setting preferences).
- Let the team decide how to build it (e.g., dropdown, XML).
Lack of Clarity Anti Pattern
As a stakeholder, I want better performance so the system is faster.
What is wrong
Too vague — “better performance” and “faster” are not measurable.
Suggestions
- Define what “faster” means (e.g., page loads in under 2 seconds).
- Break into specific stories (e.g., improve search speed, reduce load time).
Anti Pattern :: Multiple Actions in One User Story
As a customer, I want to register for an account and log in with my new credentials so I can access my profile and update my shipping address.
What is wrong
Too large — combines multiple actions in one story.
Suggestions
- Split into smaller stories: register, log in, update profile, update address.
- Make each one deliver value independently.
Technical Story Anti Pattern
As a system, I want to upgrade the database to version X.Y so we are on a supported version.
What is wrong
The system is not a real user — this is a tech task. Not everything needs to be a User story
Suggestions
- Write tech work as a task under a user-facing story.
- Use user types who benefit from the change (e.g., ops, admins).
User Story Anti Pattern – Confusion with the Definition Of Done
As a user, I want the company logo to be visible on every page so I know what website I am on.
What is wrong
The value seems weak or obvious — this could be just a design standard.
Suggestions
- Validate if this is really a user need or a branding/design requirement.
- If important, combine into a larger user experience/story for consistent branding.
Focus on Solution Anti Pattern
As a user, I want a dropdown with autocomplete and API-based search so I can find products quickly.
What is wrong
Prescribes a solution — too focused on how, not what the user needs.
Suggestions
- Focus on the goal (e.g., finding products quickly).
- Leave design/building to the team.
Too Many Users Anti Pattern
As a user and admin, I want to be able to log in to manage my preferences and user accounts.
What is wrong
Mixes two user types with different needs in one story.
Suggestions
- Split into two stories: one for user, one for admin.
- Keep persona goals clear and separate.
Some Tips to Write Good User Stories
Write from the end user’s perspective (real persona).
Always write stories from the user’s point of view. Think about what they want to do and why it matters to them.
Clearly state the goal or benefit (“so…”).
Explain what the user wants to achieve. Add a reason by saying “so” to show the value or goal.
Keep stories small and focused on one thing – split if necessary.
Each story should cover one major goal. If it’s too big, break it into smaller stories.
Avoid tech or building details.
Focus on what the user needs, not how the team will build it. Let the team decide the best solution.
Make stories testable with clear acceptance criteria.
List clear steps or checks to know when the story is done. This helps everyone agree on what “done” means.
Use simple, clear language (no jargon).
Choose plain words that everyone can understand. Avoid tech terms or company slang.
Separate different roles/user types into separate stories.
If different users have different needs, write a story for each one. This keeps each story focused and clear.
Avoid vague terms like “better” or “faster” — be specific.
Use exact words. Say how much faster or what “better” means in clear terms.
Ensure each story delivers user value.
The user should gain something useful from each story. If not, rethink the story.
Defer solutioning to the team — talk about what, not how.
Describe what needs to happen, not how to build it. Trust the team to find the best way.
