Do we really put users first in Agile — or do we just ask them to debug our assumptions? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 3, 2026 · 16 MIN

Do we really put users first in Agile — or do we just ask them to debug our assumptions?

from Agile Software Engineering · host Alessandro

Send us Fan MailDo we really put users first in Agile - or do we just ask them to debug our assumptions?In this episode of The Agile Engineering Deep Dive, Alessandro Guida challenges a common Agile belief: that frequent feedback automatically means meaningful user involvement.When users are shown isolated features instead of full interaction flows, feedback becomes guesswork. User stories describe intent, but without UX context, interaction design, or storyboards, teams often build correct functionality into the wrong experience.This episode explores:Why user stories alone are often not enoughHow storyboards help validate understanding before code is writtenThe role of UX and interaction design in reducing rework and uncertaintyHow to involve users in shaping experiences, not just approving backlog itemsNot anti-Agile.Not anti-user stories.A challenge to how we use them.If you care about building the right thing - not just building fast - this episode is for you.Please subscribe to this Podcast. It is the best way to support it.Also, if you are interested in the original article for this podcast make sure to subscribe the Agile Engineering newsletter 👉 here.Support the showThis Podcast is an audio version of the written Agile Software Engineering newsletter.  If you want to go deeper, don't forget to subscribe the newsletter too.

Send us Fan Mail Do we really put users first in Agile - or do we just ask them to debug our assumptions? In this episode of The Agile Engineering Deep Dive, Alessandro Guida challenges a common Agile belief: that frequent feedback automatically means meaningful user involvement. When users are shown isolated features instead of full interaction flows, feedback becomes guesswork. User stories describe intent, but without UX context, interaction design, or storyboards, teams often build correc...

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Do we really put users first in Agile — or do we just ask them to debug our assumptions?

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Send us Fan MailDo we really put users first in Agile - or do we just ask them to debug our assumptions?In this episode of The Agile Engineering Deep Dive, Alessandro Guida challenges a common Agile belief: that frequent feedback automatically means...

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