Final answer:
A user story is a prose description that explains a software feature from the end-user's point of view. This approach helps development teams understand user needs and creates software that aligns with those expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A user story is a prose description of what software is to do, from the perspective of a person using the software. It narrates the software features and functionalities from the end-user's perspective. A user story helps developers and team members understand the purpose and value of software from the viewpoint of a user, thus aligning the development process with user expectations.
Perspective in User Stories
The perspective, or the 'lens' through which the user story is told, is crucial. It frames the story in a way that can be told in first person, such as 'As a user, I want to...' or in the third person when detailing features related to a user role. It's fundamental to providing the context for the development team.
Like in creative writing or playwrights' works, where storytelling is adjusted to achieve certain reactions, the crafting of user stories is also intentional. It communicates the user's needs and how the application will play a role in their day-to-day tasks, essentially crafting a 'play' that the software will perform.