When we think of Agile user stories, our minds usually go straight to functionality, features that a user can see, touch, or directly experience. For example: “As a user of a word processor, I want to insert a table into my document.” But software development is not just about features; it’s also about characteristics of the system that ensure its long-term usability, performance, and success. These are called non-functional requirements (NFRs).
Non-functional requirements don’t describe what the system does; they describe how the system should perform. They often show up as quality attributes such as reliability, scalability, maintainability, security, performance, and usability. In short, they set constraints and expectations. For example, a banking application must support 100,000 concurrent users. An e-commerce site must be available 99.999% of the time. A software product must run on multiple platforms and operating systems.
These may not sound like “features,” but they are critical for a product’s success. A fast application with poor reliability will frustrate users. A secure system with terrible usability may not gain adoption.
At HelloSM, the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad, we emphasize the importance of writing non-functional requirements effectively, especially in Agile environments. Understanding how to express these constraints as user stories allows teams to prioritize them just like other backlog items.
Why is Non-Functional a Confusing Term?
Many professionals find the term “non-functional” misleading. If it’s non-functional, does it even matter? In reality, these requirements are not about functionality but about constraints. They define the boundaries within which functionality must exist. Think of them as the rules of the game. For example, if the CTO of an organization says the system must use the existing orders database, this is not a functional feature, it’s a constraint that shapes how developers build the solution. If such requirements are not captured properly, teams risk making costly mistakes. Imagine six months later, a developer proposes using a new database because no one remembers the original constraint. This can create duplication, higher costs, and maintenance headaches.
Expressing Non-Functional Requirements as User Stories
Agile uses the popular format: “As a [role], I want [requirement], so that [reason].”
Interestingly, many non-functional requirements can also fit this template: As a customer, I want the software to run on all versions of Windows from Windows 95 onward, so that I can use it on my current machine. As the CTO, I want the system to use our existing orders database, so that we avoid maintaining multiple databases. As a user, I want the site to be available 99.999% of the time, so that I don’t get frustrated and switch to another service. As a multilingual customer, I want to be able to run the software in a Latin-based language, so that I can use it in my native tongue. As a driver, I want the navigation app to give me the best route 90% of the time and a reasonable one 99% of the time, so that I can rely on it daily.
These examples highlight why attaching a role and motivation to each requirement is powerful. It prevents teams from treating NFRs as abstract “rules” and instead connects them to real-world value.
When Templates Don’t Work?
While the “As a user” format is a great thinking tool, it doesn’t always fit neatly. Sometimes, constraints are better stated directly. If forcing a constraint into a user story makes it confuse, don’t hesitate to drop the template. You can also experiment with job stories or simple constraint statements. The key is clarity, making sure both the team and stakeholders understand what’s expected.
Why NFRs Matter in Agile Development?
Ignoring non-functional requirements can derail projects. Teams that focus only on visible features often end up with products that:
- Crash under load.
- Are difficult to maintain.
- Lack of security compliance.
- Deliver poor user experience.
By treating NFRs as backlog items, Product Owners and Scrum Teams ensure these essential qualities are not overlooked. They become part of sprint planning, acceptance criteria, and Definition of Done. At HelloSM, the best training institute for Scrum in Hyderabad, we coach teams to strike the right balance between features and constraints. This holistic approach is why HelloSM is also regarded as one of the top training institutes in India for Agile and Scrum learning.
Non-functional requirements may sound secondary, but in reality, they are just as critical as features. By reframing them as constraints and expressing them in user stories, teams can align technical quality with user value. Whether it’s performance, scalability, or security, these requirements ensure products remain reliable, usable, and successful in real-world conditions.
If you want to master concepts like user stories, backlog management, and the role of non-functional requirements in Agile projects, HelloSM, Hyderabad’s best Scrum training institute, is the right place to start. With industry experts and practical coaching, HelloSM helps professionals and teams build the skills needed to deliver world-class products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are non-functional requirements in Agile?
Non-functional requirements are constraints that define system qualities such as performance, reliability, and usability. They don’t describe features but set expectations for how the system should behave.
Why are non-functional requirements important in Scrum?
They ensure that products not only deliver features but also meet performance, security, and reliability standards. Ignoring them can lead to unstable, insecure, or unusable software.
Should all non-functional requirements be in the product backlog?
Yes. To ensure they are not overlooked, NFRs should be included in the product backlog, prioritized alongside functional stories, and considered during sprint planning.
How does HelloSM help in understanding NFRs?
At HelloSM, the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad, trainers explain how to capture, prioritize, and test NFRs effectively. Real-world case studies help learners apply these concepts in projects.
Why is HelloSM considered the top training institute in India for Scrum?
Because HelloSM combines practical Scrum knowledge with expert coaching, hands-on exercises, and focus on real challenges like non-functional requirements. This makes it the best training institute for Scrum in Hyderabad and a trusted name across India.