While at the NFJS Software Symposium this weekend, I attended a talk given by David Hussman titled: Creating, Telling, and Tracking User Stories.  Not having any prior knowledge of this concept I was very intrigued by what he had to say.

Apparently, user stories are an XP method that facilitates and drives requirements gathering, release and iteration planning, and the creation of solid acceptance tests.  Basically, user stories are a compilation of a few sentences that are compiled by the actual users describing what they need the system to do in order for them to do their job effectively.  Having these user stories allows us to live a day in the life of that specific user.  This can open up some new doors when it comes to how we develop.  If we have a better idea of what the users actually need, then we will be ahead of the game.  Anyways, David made some very good points during his talk and I thought it was an interesting concept and worth looking into.