The approach most Agile teams use to get analysis done is to use a task called a spike. This allows a team member to do some deep dive work to prepare a user story.

To meet the Definition of Ready, most users stories require a lot of analysis to be completed. Team members need to understand the requirements and they will measure success. Backlog Grooming (also called refinement) is the process of getting the story ready.

Analysis of user stories is a building block for a successful sprint and a skill that each Agile team needs to develop. My preference is for as much analysis to be completed before development of a user story begins.

The Agile development process encourages us to respond to changes in requirements as a regular part of the process. How we react to unexpected change can define a team’s Agile maturity. Embrace change. This is what gives you and your organisation a competitive edge.