What are user stories typically used for?

User stories are an essential tool in UI and UX design and are primarily used to capture specific requirements from the viewpoint of the end user. They focus on the goals and needs of users rather than technical specifications or high-level project management, which makes them invaluable for guiding design and development efforts.

By detailing a feature as it relates to the user’s experience, user stories help to ensure that the design process remains user-centric. This perspective encourages the team to consider how the feature will add value to the user’s experience and to prioritize development based on user needs. Crafting user stories often involves using a common format, such as “As a [type of user], I want to [perform some action] so that [achieve some goal].” This structure aids in understanding the user’s motivations and enhances communication among the team.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes that don’t align with the primary function of user stories. Comparing features across products mostly pertains to competitive analysis. Analyzing market demographics involves understanding target users from a statistical standpoint and does not focus on individual user experiences. Outlining project timelines relates more to project management and scheduling rather than user perspective. Therefore, option A is truly the core purpose of user stories in the design process.