HKSM

A visual technique for arranging work into a coherent model of the user journey, grouping high-value features over time so teams can spot gaps in the backlog and plan release slices that deliver value to users.

Key Points

• Maps user activities and tasks in the flow of the user journey to organize epics and stories.
• Creates thin vertical slices to plan minimum viable and subsequent releases over time.
• Reveals missing, duplicate, or low-value items in the backlog and clarifies dependencies.
• Encourages collaborative planning across product, UX, engineering, testing, and stakeholders.

Example

A team building an online learning platform maps the student journey from discover courses to enroll, watch lessons, and take quizzes. They organize stories under each activity and define the first release slice as browse catalog, enroll in a course, and watch a video. The map exposes a missing story for password reset and helps prioritize what to deliver in later releases.

PMP Example Question

A product owner wants to visualize the end-to-end user workflow, group high-value features over time, uncover missing backlog items, and plan release slices. Which technique should the team use?

1. User Story Mapping
2. Kanban Board
3. RACI Matrix
4. Earned Value Analysis

Correct Answer: A — User Story Mapping

Explanation: User story mapping organizes work along the user journey, highlights gaps, and supports planning release slices that deliver value.