Glossary

User Story

By ArcPM

A user story is a short, plain-language description of a need from the user's perspective — commonly "As a [user], I want [goal] so that [benefit]" — that keeps requirements focused on value rather than implementation.

A user story deliberately stays small and outcome-focused. It is not a spec; it is a placeholder for a conversation about what the user actually needs and why.

Stories become buildable when paired with acceptance criteria that define what "done" means. Without that, a story is a direction, not a requirement.

Example

"As a first-time user, I want to reset my password from the login screen so that I can get back in without contacting support."

How ArcPM applies it

ArcPM turns user stories into traceable requirements, linking them to supporting research, prototypes and PRDs through the Connected Product Graph.

See ArcPM