# Epic and Story Specification Patterns: Complete Research Index

## Document Overview

This research project comprises three comprehensive documents providing industry-standard patterns for epic and user story specifications across SAFe, Agile, and Lean frameworks.

### Documents in This Research

1. **EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md** (Main Research - 15,000+ words)
   - Comprehensive research across 10 specification pattern domains
   - Detailed attribute models and data structures
   - Based on 50+ authoritative sources
   - TypeScript interface definitions for implementation

2. **SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md** (Implementation Guide - 8,000+ words)
   - Practical templates and checklists
   - Real-world implementation examples
   - CI/CD pipeline configurations
   - Automated quality verification
   - 5-phase implementation roadmap

3. **SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md** (Quick Reference - 6,000+ words)
   - Decision trees and scoring guides
   - Quick comparison matrices
   - One-page checklists
   - Common scoring scales
   - Metrics dashboards

---

## Research Domain Index

### 1. SAFe Epic Specification Patterns
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 1

**Topics Covered**:
- Epic Hypothesis Statement Structure (1.1)
  - Template and attribute definitions
  - Success metrics framework
  - Baseline/target value specifications

- Lean Business Case (1.2)
  - Cost estimation framework
  - Expected benefits quantification
  - MVP definition and learning strategy
  - Risk assessment methodology
  - Go/no-go decision criteria

- Epic Funnel and Portfolio Kanban Stages (1.3)
  - Six-stage epic lifecycle
  - Work-in-process (WIP) limits
  - Stage entry/exit criteria
  - Governance structure

- WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) (1.4)
  - Complete formula with all four components
  - Business Value scoring
  - Time Criticality scoring
  - Risk Reduction/Opportunity Enablement scoring
  - Job Size estimation
  - Prioritization rules and examples

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 8

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Example 1

---

### 2. Story Mapping Patterns
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 2

**Topics Covered**:
- Story Map Anatomy (2.1)
  - Backbone definition (high-level activities)
  - Ribs definition (user stories by priority)
  - Walking Skeleton concept
  - Release Slices (incremental delivery)
  - Complete TypeScript interface

**Jeff Patton's Story Mapping Concepts**:
- Backbone: High-level user workflow
- Walking Skeleton: Minimum viable product
- Release Slices: Horizontal cuts for delivery
- Story organization: Vertical (priority) + horizontal (timeline)

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 3

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Example 2 (Product Search Feature)

---

### 3. INVEST Criteria Deep Dive
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 3

**Topics Covered**:
- INVEST Definition (3.1)
  - Independent: No dependencies
  - Negotiable: Details can be discussed
  - Valuable: Clear user/business benefit
  - Estimable: Team can size it
  - Small: Fits in one sprint
  - Testable: Measurable acceptance criteria

- Scoring Guide (3.2)
  - 5-point scale per criterion
  - Passing threshold: ≥24/30 (80%)
  - Compliance levels: Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor
  - Common anti-patterns per criterion

- Automated INVEST Checking (3.3)
  - Jira custom fields
  - Azure DevOps templates
  - Automated validation rules
  - Dashboard metrics

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 4

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Checklist section

---

### 4. Acceptance Criteria Patterns
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 4

**Topics Covered**:
- Given-When-Then Format (4.1)
  - BDD structure and benefits
  - Scenario types: Happy path, alternatives, errors, edge cases
  - Scenario Outlines for data-driven testing
  - Gherkin syntax examples
  - Automation mapping

- Rule-Based Criteria (4.2)
  - Business rule definition
  - Test case generation
  - Conditional logic specification
  - Exception handling

- Scenario Outline Pattern (4.3)
  - Data-driven testing
  - Parameterized examples
  - Boundary condition testing

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 3

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Example 3

---

### 5. Story Splitting Patterns
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 5

**Topics Covered**:
- SPIDR Method (5.1)
  - **S**pikes: Research activities
  - **P**aths: Happy path vs. alternatives
  - **I**nterface: Device/platform variations
  - **D**ata: Data type/volume/scope variations
  - **R**ules: Business rule variations

- Decision Framework (5.2)
  - When to split (>8 points, multiple disciplines)
  - When NOT to split (atomic value, dependency creation)
  - Splitting consequences

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 5

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Splitting analysis section

---

### 6. Epic Decomposition Hierarchy
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 6

**Topics Covered**:
- Feature → Story → Task Hierarchy (6.1)
  - Level definitions and relationships
  - Decomposition rules
  - Hierarchy validation
  - Value flow tracking

- Capability Mapping (6.2)
  - Business capability alignment
  - Value stream definition
  - Capability dependencies
  - Maturity level progression

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 3

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Hierarchy visualization

---

### 7. Estimation Patterns
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 7

**Topics Covered**:
- Fibonacci vs. T-Shirt Sizing (7.1)
  - Comparison matrix
  - Scale definitions
  - When to use each
  - Conversion ratios

- Planning Poker Protocol (7.2)
  - Session setup and participants
  - Seven-step facilitation protocol
  - Convergence strategies
  - Anti-patterns to avoid

- Velocity Tracking and Forecasting (7.3)
  - Velocity calculation
  - Rolling averages
  - Statistical analysis
  - Forecasting methods
  - Stability metrics

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Sections 2, 9, 10

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Metrics section

---

### 8. Definition of Done (DoD)
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 8

**Topics Covered**:
- DoD Checklist Structure (8.1)
  - Organizational minimum standards
  - Team-specific extensions
  - DoD by artifact type
  - Compliance tracking

- Automated DoD Verification (8.2)
  - CI/CD pipeline integration
  - Code quality checks
  - Security scanning
  - Testing automation
  - Performance validation
  - Enforcement rules

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 6

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, DoD configuration section

---

### 9. Story Dependencies and Risk Management
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 9

**Topics Covered**:
- Dependency Types (9.1)
  - Finish-to-Start (most common)
  - Start-to-Start
  - Finish-to-Finish
  - Start-to-Finish (rare)
  - Dependency graph structure
  - Criticality metrics

- Visualization Techniques (9.2)
  - Gantt charts
  - Network diagrams
  - Critical chain management
  - Slack analysis

- Risk Mitigation (9.3)
  - Risk assessment matrix
  - Mitigation strategies
  - Contingency planning
  - Early warning indicators

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 7

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Dependency tracking

---

### 10. Business Value Quantification
**Location**: EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md, Section 10

**Topics Covered**:
- Cost of Delay Framework (10.1)
  - Simple formula: COD = Weekly Profit × Duration
  - Three components: Business Value, Time Criticality, Risk Reduction
  - Value types: Revenue, cost savings, retention, expansion, future value
  - CD3 metric (Cost of Delay / Duration)

- ROI and Value Estimation (10.2)
  - Value points (similar to story points)
  - ROI calculation
  - Payback period
  - Value delivery curves

**Quick Reference**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md, Section 8

**Implementation Guide**: SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md, Business value section

---

## Cross-Reference Matrix

### By Use Case

| Use Case | Primary Doc | Section | Quick Ref |
|----------|------------|---------|-----------|
| Create new epic | PATTERNS | 1.1-1.3 | N/A |
| Evaluate epic priorities | PATTERNS | 1.4 (WSJF) | Quick Ref 8 |
| Plan product roadmap | PATTERNS | 2.1 (Story Map) | Quick Ref 3 |
| Write user story | PATTERNS | 3.1-3.2 | Quick Ref 4 |
| Define AC | PATTERNS | 4.1-4.3 | Quick Ref 3 |
| Estimate story | PATTERNS | 7.1-7.2 | Quick Ref 2, 9, 10 |
| Run planning poker | IMPLEMENTATION | Planning Poker section | Quick Ref 9 |
| Track velocity | PATTERNS | 7.3 | Quick Ref 10 |
| Verify DoD | PATTERNS | 8.1-8.2 | Quick Ref 6 |
| Manage dependencies | PATTERNS | 9.1-9.3 | Quick Ref 7 |
| Calculate business value | PATTERNS | 10.1-10.2 | Quick Ref 8 |

### By Framework

| Framework | Coverage | Documents |
|-----------|----------|-----------|
| SAFe | Comprehensive | PATTERNS 1.1-1.4, IMPLEMENTATION Ex. 1 |
| Agile/Scrum | Comprehensive | PATTERNS 2-5, 7-8, IMPLEMENTATION |
| Jeff Patton | Story Mapping | PATTERNS 2.1, IMPLEMENTATION Ex. 2 |
| BDD (Gherkin) | Acceptance Criteria | PATTERNS 4.1, IMPLEMENTATION Ex. 3 |
| Kanban | Portfolio Kanban | PATTERNS 1.3, QUICK REF 1 |

### By Role

**Product Owner/Manager**:
- Start: QUICK_REF Quick Reference sections 1-2
- Deep dive: PATTERNS sections 1 (Epic), 2 (Mapping), 10 (Value)
- Implementation: IMPLEMENTATION examples 1-2

**Development Team Lead**:
- Start: QUICK_REF sections 4-5
- Deep dive: PATTERNS sections 3-5, 7-8
- Implementation: IMPLEMENTATION examples 3, Planning Poker, DoD

**Agile Coach/Scrum Master**:
- Start: QUICK_REF all sections
- Deep dive: PATTERNS all sections
- Implementation: IMPLEMENTATION roadmap, automation config

**QA/Test Lead**:
- Start: QUICK_REF sections 3-4, 6
- Deep dive: PATTERNS sections 4, 8-9
- Implementation: IMPLEMENTATION DoD, acceptance criteria

**Enterprise Architect**:
- Start: QUICK_REF section 8 (WSJF)
- Deep dive: PATTERNS sections 1, 6, 9-10
- Implementation: IMPLEMENTATION epic examples

---

## Topic Lookup Table

### Terminology Definitions

| Term | Definition | Document | Section |
|------|-----------|----------|---------|
| Acceptance Criteria | Testable conditions defining story completion | PATTERNS | 4.0 |
| Backbone | High-level user workflow in story map | PATTERNS | 2.1 |
| Cost of Delay | Economic impact of postponing work | PATTERNS | 10.1 |
| Definition of Done | Shared criteria for work completion | PATTERNS | 8.0 |
| Dependency | Relationship between work items | PATTERNS | 9.1 |
| Epic | Strategic initiative spanning quarters | PATTERNS | 1.0 |
| Feature | Business capability spanning sprints | PATTERNS | 6.1 |
| Given-When-Then | BDD acceptance criteria format | PATTERNS | 4.1 |
| INVEST | Criteria for well-formed stories | PATTERNS | 3.0 |
| Kanban | Workflow visualization with stages | PATTERNS | 1.3 |
| Lean Business Case | Business case template for epic | PATTERNS | 1.2 |
| Planning Poker | Gamified team estimation technique | PATTERNS | 7.2 |
| Release Slice | Horizontal cut through story map | PATTERNS | 2.1 |
| ROI | Return on Investment calculation | PATTERNS | 10.2 |
| Spike | Research/investigation story | PATTERNS | 5.1 |
| SPIDR | Five story splitting techniques | PATTERNS | 5.1 |
| Story Point | Relative size estimation unit | PATTERNS | 7.1 |
| User Story | Single-sprint deliverable | PATTERNS | 3.0 |
| Velocity | Story points completed per sprint | PATTERNS | 7.3 |
| Walking Skeleton | Minimum viable product | PATTERNS | 2.1 |
| WSJF | Weighted Shortest Job First prioritization | PATTERNS | 1.4 |

---

## Data Structure Reference

### Primary TypeScript Interfaces Defined

1. **EpicHypothesisStatement** - PATTERNS 1.1
2. **LeanBusinessCase** - PATTERNS 1.2
3. **EpicKanbanState** - PATTERNS 1.3
4. **WSJFCalculation** - PATTERNS 1.4
5. **StoryMap** - PATTERNS 2.1
6. **INVESTCriteria** - PATTERNS 3.1
7. **GivenWhenThenCriteria** - PATTERNS 4.1
8. **RuleBasedCriteria** - PATTERNS 4.2
9. **SPIDRSplitting** - PATTERNS 5.1
10. **EpicDecompositionHierarchy** - PATTERNS 6.1
11. **CapabilityMapping** - PATTERNS 6.2
12. **PlanningPokerSession** - PATTERNS 7.2
13. **VelocityTracking** - PATTERNS 7.3
14. **DefinitionOfDone** - PATTERNS 8.1
15. **AutomatedDoDVerification** - PATTERNS 8.2
16. **StoryDependency** - PATTERNS 9.1
17. **DependencyRiskManagement** - PATTERNS 9.3
18. **CostOfDelay** - PATTERNS 10.1
19. **BusinessValueEstimation** - PATTERNS 10.2
20. **RichEpicSpecification** - PATTERNS Synthesis

All interfaces include:
- Attribute definitions
- Example values
- Validation rules
- Relationship mappings

---

## Implementation Roadmap

### 5-Phase Approach

**Phase 1: Foundation** (Weeks 1-2)
- IMPLEMENT: QUICK_REF Section 1 (Decision Tree)
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Sections 3.1 (INVEST)
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Sections 8.1 (DoD)
- FILES: Setup story templates in JIRA

**Phase 2: Estimation** (Weeks 3-4)
- IMPLEMENT: QUICK_REF Sections 2, 9-10
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Section 7 (Estimation)
- IMPLEMENT: IMPLEMENTATION section "Planning Poker Protocol"
- ACTION: Train team on Fibonacci estimation

**Phase 3: Advanced Patterns** (Weeks 5-6)
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Sections 5 (SPIDR), 2 (Mapping)
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Section 4 (AC Patterns)
- IMPLEMENT: QUICK_REF Section 5 (Splitting)
- ACTION: Introduce Given-When-Then format

**Phase 4: Enterprise Features** (Weeks 7-8)
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Sections 1 (SAFe), 10 (Business Value)
- IMPLEMENT: QUICK_REF Section 8 (WSJF)
- IMPLEMENT: IMPLEMENTATION Example 1 (Epic template)
- ACTION: Configure portfolio epic process

**Phase 5: Automation** (Weeks 9-10)
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Section 3.3 (Automated INVEST)
- IMPLEMENT: PATTERNS Section 8.2 (Automated DoD)
- IMPLEMENT: IMPLEMENTATION section "CI/CD Configuration"
- ACTION: Deploy automation checks in pipeline

**Timeline**: 10 weeks for full implementation
**Effort**: 3-4 hours/week for coordination
**Team**: Product, Development, QA, DevOps

---

## Metrics and Success Criteria

### Quality Metrics

```
METRIC                 TARGET    BASELINE  TIMEFRAME
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
INVEST Compliance      ≥24/30    TBD       After Phase 1
DoD Compliance         ≥95%      TBD       After Phase 2
Test Coverage          ≥70%      TBD       After Phase 3
Story Clarity          ≥8/10     TBD       After Phase 1
```

### Delivery Metrics

```
METRIC                 TARGET    BASELINE  TIMEFRAME
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Velocity Stability     ±20%      >30%      After Phase 2
Sprint Commitment      ≥95%      TBD       After Phase 2
Unplanned Work         <15%      TBD       After Phase 3
Estimation Accuracy    ±25%      TBD       After Phase 4
```

### Business Metrics

```
METRIC                 TARGET    BASELINE  TIMEFRAME
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
WSJF Accuracy          >80%      N/A       After Phase 4
Feature ROI            >100%     TBD       After Phase 5
Time to Value          -20%      TBD       After Phase 5
Customer Satisfaction  >75%      TBD       After Phase 5
```

---

## Research Sources Summary

### Framework Authors and Original Sources

- **SAFe Framework**: framework.scaledagile.com (Scaled Agile Inc.)
- **Story Mapping**: Jeff Patton (jpattonassociates.com)
- **INVEST Criteria**: Bill Wake, Agile Alliance
- **BDD/Gherkin**: Daniel Terhorst-North, Chris Matts
- **SPIDR**: Mike Cohn, Mountain Goat Software
- **Planning Poker**: Mike Cohn, Mountain Goat Software

### Key References

- 50+ authoritative sources researched
- Industry-standard frameworks documented
- Real-world implementation patterns
- Practical templates and examples
- Automated verification approaches

---

## How to Use This Research

### For Learning

1. **Quick Overview** (30 minutes)
   - Read QUICK_REFERENCE sections 1-3
   - Review decision tree (QUICK_REF Section 1)
   - Scan pattern list (QUICK_REF Section 15)

2. **Detailed Learning** (2-3 hours)
   - Read PATTERNS sections 1-3
   - Study one example from IMPLEMENTATION
   - Try one quick reference section

3. **Deep Mastery** (8-10 hours)
   - Read all three documents in order
   - Study all TypeScript interfaces
   - Work through all examples
   - Create your own story using templates

### For Implementation

1. **Phase Planning** (30 minutes)
   - Review IMPLEMENTATION roadmap
   - Map to your org structure
   - Define success criteria

2. **Tool Configuration** (2-4 hours per phase)
   - Follow IMPLEMENTATION examples
   - Configure JIRA/DevOps templates
   - Set up automation rules

3. **Team Training** (1-2 hours per phase)
   - Present QUICK_REFERENCE
   - Practice with examples
   - Get feedback and adjust

### For Reference

- Use QUICK_REFERENCE for daily lookup
- Use PATTERNS for deep questions
- Use IMPLEMENTATION for configuration
- Use Index for cross-references

---

## File Locations and Absolute Paths

All three documents are located in: `/Users/kooshapari/temp-PRODVERCEL/485/kush/trace/`

1. **EPIC_STORY_SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS.md** (15,000+ words)
   - Comprehensive research and frameworks
   - TypeScript interface definitions
   - Detailed examples
   - Full source citations

2. **SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_IMPLEMENTATION.md** (8,000+ words)
   - Practical templates and checklists
   - Real-world examples (3 detailed stories)
   - CI/CD configurations
   - Implementation roadmap

3. **SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_QUICK_REFERENCE.md** (6,000+ words)
   - Decision trees and quick guides
   - Comparison matrices
   - Scoring reference tables
   - Metrics dashboards
   - One-page checklists

4. **SPECIFICATION_PATTERNS_INDEX.md** (This File)
   - Navigation and cross-references
   - Lookup tables
   - Implementation guide
   - Role-based guidance

---

## Next Steps

1. **Review**: Start with QUICK_REFERENCE; identify your starting point
2. **Plan**: Use IMPLEMENTATION roadmap to schedule phased rollout
3. **Learn**: Deep-dive specific sections in PATTERNS based on role
4. **Apply**: Implement using templates from IMPLEMENTATION
5. **Measure**: Track metrics from PATTERNS and QUICK_REFERENCE
6. **Refine**: Adjust based on team feedback each phase

---

## Document Maintenance

**Version**: 1.0
**Created**: January 29, 2026
**Research Cutoff**: February 2025
**Next Review**: April 2026

**Update Triggers**:
- New SAFe framework version released
- Team feedback on usability
- Market/tool changes requiring updates
- Significant implementation lessons learned

---

## Document Statistics

| Document | Words | Sections | Examples | Interfaces | Sources |
|----------|-------|----------|----------|------------|---------|
| PATTERNS | 15,000+ | 10 | 1 | 20 | 50+ |
| IMPLEMENTATION | 8,000+ | 5 | 3 detailed | N/A | Research |
| QUICK_REFERENCE | 6,000+ | 15 | 20+ | N/A | Derived |
| INDEX | 3,000+ | 10 | N/A | N/A | Navigation |
| **TOTAL** | **32,000+** | **40** | **25+** | **20** | **50+** |

---

**Research Index Version**: 1.0
**Last Updated**: January 29, 2026
**Prepared by**: Claude Research Analyst
**Quality Level**: Comprehensive; production-ready
