What are Acceptance Criteria?
Acceptance Criteria, often abbreviated as “AC,” are a set of specific requirements that need to be met before a user story can be considered “done.” They are usually written by the product manager in collaboration with the team and can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to what needs to be done in order for a user story to be considered complete.
There are a few key traits of effective acceptance criteria:
– They should be specific: Acceptance criteria should be precise, laying out exactly what needs to happen in order for a user story to be considered complete. This helps to avoid any ambiguity or confusion about what needs to be done.
– They should be achievable: Acceptance criteria should not be overly ambitious or unrealistic. This can set the team up for disappointment and frustration if they are not able to meet all of the criteria.
– They should be measurable: Acceptance criteria should be quantifiable so that it is possible to determine whether or not they have been met. This helps to ensure accuracy and avoids any disputes about whether a user story has been completed or not.
There are a variety of different acceptance criteria types and structures that can be used, depending on the needs of the project. Some common examples include:
-Pass/Fail: This type of criteria simply states whether or not a user story has been completed, with no further detail.
-Test Cases: A set of specific test cases that need to be passed in order for a user story to be considered done.
-Functional Requirements: A list of specific functional requirements that need to be met in order for a user story to be considered complete.
-Non-functional Requirements: A list of specific non-functional requirements that need to be met in order for a user story to be considered complete.
Who is responsible for writing Acceptance Criteria?
The product owner is usually responsible for writing acceptance criteria, but it is often a collaborative effort between the product manager and the team. The team can provide valuable insight into what is achievable and measurable, while the product owner can ensure that the criteria are specific and accurate.
When should User Story Acceptance Criteria be written?
User story Acceptance Criteria should be written as soon as possible, preferably during the initial planning stages of a project. This allows everyone involved to have a clear understanding of what is expected and helps to avoid any delays in the development process.
Why Do You Need User Story Acceptance Criteria?
User story Acceptance Criteria are an essential part of the product development process, and their purpose is to ensure that everyone involved is on the same page about what needs to be done in order for a user story to be considered complete. They help to avoid confusion and ambiguity and can help to ensure that a user story is delivered on time and within budget.
