Product / Free editable template

User story map template

A user story map lays the backlog out along the user's journey, so the team can see which stories make a complete first release. This example for a freelancer invoicing app has four activities, eight steps and stories in three release slices, with the MVP aimed at getting the first invoice paid.

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Preview the user story map

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User story map example showing backbone of four user activities, eight steps with stories under each, release slices for mvp, release 2 and release 3
Everything in this example is editable. Replace the labels, move the shapes and adapt the layout to your work.

How to use this template

  1. Write the backbone as verbs

    Name activities from the user's point of view, such as Get paid, not after system modules. That keeps the map tied to the journey rather than to how the code is organised.

  2. Slice for a whole journey

    Make sure each release row has at least one story under every step it needs. A release that skips a step leaves users stuck halfway, however polished the other parts are.

  3. Name each slice by its outcome

    Label the slices with the outcome they deliver, like first invoice paid. Outcome labels make scope debates easier, because every story can be tested against them.

Questions about this template

How do I move a story into a different release?

Drag the story card into the MVP, release 2 or release 3 slice, keeping it under the same step so the backbone still reads left to right.

Do I need an account to use it?

No. Open the template and edit it in your browser. Your work saves on this device. An account is optional if you want to sync your workspace.

Can I export the finished diagram?

Yes. Use Export in the editor to save a PNG, SVG or PDF, or download an editable .epicdraw backup.

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