Example Mapping
A structured conversation technique from BDD (Behaviour-Driven Development) that clarifies user stories by mapping out acceptance rules and concrete examples before development begins. A Three Amigos session (developer, tester, Product Owner) uses coloured cards to surface ambiguity quickly. Stories with too many rule cards need splitting; stories with too many question cards need more refinement.
How to run it
- 1
Write the User Story on a yellow card. Place it at the top.
- 2
Identify the acceptance rules — the conditions that must be true for the story to be 'Done'. Write each rule on a blue card below the story.
- 3
For each rule, find concrete examples: specific inputs, actions, and expected outputs. Write each example on a green card below its rule.
- 4
When ambiguity, edge cases, or unknowns arise — write them as questions on red cards. Don't debate them now; park and resolve later.
- 5
After 25 minutes: review the card map. Too many blue cards = story needs splitting. Too many red cards = story needs more refinement before development.
- 6
Capture agreed examples as Gherkin scenarios (Given/When/Then) if your team uses BDD tools.
Tips
Strict 25-minute timebox. The constraint forces focus.
Red cards are valuable — they make ignorance visible before it becomes a bug.
The goal isn't exhaustive test coverage — it's shared understanding.
Works best as a Three Amigos session (dev + tester + PO). Don't scale it up.
Variations
Discovery Tree variant: use a digital whiteboard and branch examples as a tree. Impact Mapping variant: link examples to user goals and business outcomes.
Where it fits
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Example Mapping?▾
Use Example Mapping when you want to: BDD; Sprint preparation; Acceptance criteria definition; Cross-functional alignment.
How long does Example Mapping take?▾
Example Mapping typically takes 25–45 minutes.
How many participants does Example Mapping work for?▾
Example Mapping works best for groups of 3–6 participants.
What materials do I need for Example Mapping?▾
To run Example Mapping you will need: Four colours of index cards or sticky notes (yellow=story, blue=rules, green=examples, red=questions), Pens, Table or floor space.
How difficult is Example Mapping to facilitate?▾
Example Mapping is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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