Employee engagement software

TeamSpark

Spark Connection. Energize Every Team.

TeamSpark energizes remote tech and creative teams with daily gamified challenges that foster real connection and recognition. Designed for remote managers, it transforms routine workdays into opportunities for camaraderie and celebration, measurably boosting engagement, reducing turnover, and building vibrant team culture across any distance.

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TeamSpark

Product Details

Explore this AI-generated product idea in detail. Each aspect has been thoughtfully created to inspire your next venture.

Vision & Mission

Vision
To empower remote teams everywhere to build vibrant cultures and authentic connections that spark daily happiness and lasting success.
Long Term Goal
By 2028, empower 10,000 remote teams to cut turnover by 20% and boost engagement scores by 15 points, building lasting culture and connection across the globe.
Impact
Lowers remote team turnover by 18% within six months for tech and creative managers, while increasing peer-to-peer recognition by 20% and raising employee engagement survey scores by 15 points, directly addressing isolation and disengagement in distributed teams.

Problem & Solution

Problem Statement
Remote team managers in tech and creative industries struggle to build authentic team culture and sustain engagement because current digital tools fail to foster genuine connection or recognition, leading to increased isolation, disengagement, and costly staff turnover.
Solution Overview
TeamSpark energizes remote teams with daily gamified challenges that spark authentic interactions, while real-time recognition boards celebrate small wins—turning everyday achievements into shared moments and combating isolation to build a vibrant, connected team culture across any distance.

Details & Audience

Description
TeamSpark energizes remote teams with daily gamified challenges that foster genuine connection and recognition. Built for remote managers and distributed teams, it combats isolation and disengagement by turning small achievements into shared victories. Its Spark Challenges blend playful competition with organic interaction, creating camaraderie and measurable boosts in engagement and morale, even across time zones.
Target Audience
Remote team managers (28-45) in tech and creative industries craving authentic engagement and playful collaboration.
Inspiration
After our lively in-person team suddenly went remote, I watched celebrations fade into awkward silences on video calls. One day, a playful lunchtime challenge unexpectedly filled the chat with laughter and stories. That spark—seeing distant teammates reconnect through small, shared moments—inspired TeamSpark: daily challenges designed to turn routine remote days into chances for genuine connection, recognition, and renewed team spirit.

User Personas

Detailed profiles of the target users who would benefit most from this product.

A

Analytical Anna

- Age 32, female - Master’s in organizational psychology - HR analyst earning $80K annually - Five years remote work experience

Background

After seeing turnover spike in her previous role, she built engagement dashboards to diagnose team morale. Now, she champions data-driven initiatives at her current remote-first company.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Consolidated real-time engagement metrics on a single dashboard 2. Automated alerts for sudden participation drops 3. Customizable reports exportable to HR tools

Pain Points

1. Sifting through raw data spreadsheets wastes precious analysis time 2. Manual data entry errors skew engagement insights 3. Lack of benchmark comparisons obscures performance gaps

Psychographics

- Relentlessly curious about employee behavior trends - Driven by clear, measurable performance indicators - Values structured, evidence-based decision making - Prefers precision over ambiguous promises

Channels

1. Slack daily report 2. Email weekly summary 3. LinkedIn research posts 4. HR analytics dashboard 5. Online HR forums

O

Overloaded Oliver

- Age 40, male - Master’s in computer science - Senior full-stack developer at $120K salary - Remote worker for three years

Background

Promoted rapidly at a fast-paced startup, he rarely pauses for team interactions. Frequent late nights have distanced him from casual camaraderie, prompting fleeting TeamSpark participation.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Micro-challenges requiring under two minutes 2. Silent recognition options avoiding public calls 3. Easy opt-in/out without manager hassle

Pain Points

1. Smothered by lengthy, time-consuming activities 2. Fear of missing critical code updates 3. Anxiety over public praise spotlighting perceived slack

Psychographics

- Constantly chasing looming project deadlines - Prefers minimal friction in social interactions - Values efficiency over elaborate processes - Feels guilty about time spent on breaks

Channels

1. IDE extension notifications 2. Slack status updates 3. VS Code sidebar widget 4. Mobile push alerts 5. Email daily recap

N

Newcomer Nora

- Age 27, non-binary - Bachelor’s in graphic design - Junior UX designer earning $65K - Onboarded two weeks ago

Background

Transitioned from in-office role to fully remote environment last month. Unfamiliar with team rituals, she seeks structured social cues via gamified challenges.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Scheduled icebreaker activities with clear instructions 2. Introductory challenges pairing her with teammates 3. Visual cues guiding next team interactions

Pain Points

1. Feeling invisible amid remote communication overload 2. Confusion about unwritten team social norms 3. Hesitation joining spontaneous group activities alone

Psychographics

- Eager to build rapport with co-workers - Anxious about proving competence early - Enjoys playful, guided interactions - Values clear onboarding milestones

Channels

1. Slack onboarding #introductions channel 2. Welcome email prompts 3. Internal video-call invitations 4. Onboarding portal notifications 5. Mobile app reminders

Q

Quiet Quentin

- Age 35, male - MBA in strategy - Team lead at a fintech firm - Two-year remote tenure

Background

Spent his early career in collaborative think-tanks but struggled in large group settings. Remote format further reduced his spontaneous input, steering him toward low-profile participation.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Private kudos options preserving confidentiality 2. Written feedback channels over video calls 3. Thoughtful challenge prompts requiring minimal speaking

Pain Points

1. Anxiety performing in group video sessions 2. Overwhelmed by fast-paced real-time challenges 3. Feeling overshadowed by extroverted colleagues

Psychographics

- Craves meaningful engagement without public spotlight - Reflective thinker preferring written communication - Values depth over breadth in connections - Skeptical of gimmicky activities

Channels

1. Email direct messages 2. Slack DM threads 3. Internal forum posts 4. Mobile app feed 5. Intranet bulletin board

I

Integrative Isaac

- Age 29, male - Bachelor’s in software engineering - DevOps engineer earning $110K - Four years of cloud automation experience

Background

Built internal bots for team notifications at his previous company, acquiring scripting expertise. Joins TeamSpark to extend automation across engagement and CI/CD processes.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Robust, well-documented public API endpoints 2. Webhook support for real-time event triggers 3. Sample code libraries in multiple languages

Pain Points

1. Incomplete API docs slow integration progress 2. Rate limits interrupt automated challenge posting 3. Lack of SDKs forces manual scripting

Psychographics

- Obsessed with custom automation workflows - Thrives on building cross-tool integrations - Values open APIs and developer communities - Seeks continuous process improvements

Channels

1. GitHub documentation repo 2. Developer community Slack 3. Stack Overflow tags 4. API status dashboard 5. Email developer newsletter

Product Features

Key capabilities that make this product valuable to its target users.

Smart Scheduler

Automatically aligns daily pairings with teammates’ local time zones and availability windows. By reducing scheduling conflicts and missed connections, Smart Scheduler ensures every paired challenge happens seamlessly, boosting participation and engagement across global teams.

Requirements

Time Zone Mapping
"As a remote team manager, I want the system to automatically convert and align all participants’ local times so that pairings are scheduled accurately without manual time conversions."
Description

Implement a service that accurately translates each team member’s local time into a unified scheduling timeline. This requirement ensures time zone data is retrieved from user profiles, normalized using a reliable library, and stored in the scheduler module. It must handle daylight saving adjustments and edge cases such as nonstandard offsets. The outcome is a consistent time reference enabling precise alignment of challenge pairings across global teams.

Acceptance Criteria
User Profile Time Zone Retrieval
Given a user has a time zone set in their profile, when the scheduler service requests the time zone data, then the service retrieves and returns the correct IANA time zone identifier matching the user’s profile setting.
Daylight Saving Adjustment Handling
Given a user’s location observes daylight saving time, when the current date falls within DST period, then the service adjusts the offset correctly to reflect the DST shift in the unified scheduling timeline.
Scheduling Timeline Normalization
Given multiple team members across different time zones, when the scheduler compiles their availability windows, then all time entries are normalized to UTC and stored consistently in the scheduler module.
Nonstandard Offset Support
Given a user is located in a time zone with a nonstandard offset (e.g., UTC+05:30 or UTC+09:45), when the service processes the offset, then it supports, calculates, and stores the exact offset value without rounding.
Time Zone Library Integration
Given the scheduler service needs to normalize time zones, when the service calls the reliable time zone library, then it correctly returns normalized offsets and zone names that match the library’s authoritative data.
Availability Window Input
"As a remote contributor, I want to specify my available hours each day so that the scheduler only assigns pairings when I can participate."
Description

Provide an intuitive interface for users to define their daily availability windows. This requirement includes frontend components for selecting start and end times, validation to prevent overlaps or invalid ranges, and backend support to store and update availability data. It ensures user preferences are respected during scheduling and maximizes the likelihood of successful pairings.

Acceptance Criteria
User Defines a New Availability Window
Given the user is on the Availability Window Input page, When they select a start time earlier than the end time and click Save, Then the new availability window is displayed on the UI and stored in the backend with the correct time range.
Prevent Overlapping Availability Windows
Given the user has an existing availability window, When they attempt to create a new window that overlaps with any existing window, Then the system prevents the save action and displays an error message indicating the conflict.
Handle Invalid Time Ranges
Given the user selects an end time that is earlier than or equal to the start time, Then the Save button remains disabled and a validation message prompts the user to select a valid time range.
Persist Availability to Backend
Given the user saves a new or edited availability window, When the backend API receives the data, Then the API responds with a success status and the UI reflects the saved data upon page refresh or reload.
Update Existing Availability Window
Given the user views their existing availability windows, When they modify the start or end times and click Update, Then the changes are validated, saved to the backend, and the updated window is shown correctly in the list.
Automated Scheduling Algorithm
"As a platform user, I want the system to automatically create daily pairing schedules so that I don't have to coordinate manually and pairings are balanced and fair."
Description

Develop and integrate an optimized algorithm that matches teammates based on availability, time zone compatibility, and challenge history. The algorithm should weigh factors such as prior pairings to promote variety and ensure fairness, and should generate daily pair assignments within milliseconds. It should seamlessly integrate with existing services and be scalable to handle large teams.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Pairings Generated Within Time Constraints
Given a daily scheduling request for a team of any size When the algorithm executes Then pair assignments are returned within 500 milliseconds
Time Zone Compatibility Ensured
Given teammates in different time zones and defined availability windows When the algorithm generates pairs Then each pair has at least one overlapping 30-minute window in both teammates’ local times
Balanced Use of Pairing History
Given historical pair data When the algorithm assigns pairs Then it ensures no pair is repeated until all possible unique pair combinations have occurred
Scalable Performance with Large Teams
Given a team of 1,000 or more members When the algorithm runs Then memory usage does not exceed allocated limits and pair assignments complete within defined performance thresholds
Integration with Existing Availability Services
Given updated availability data in the existing scheduling service When the algorithm runs Then it retrieves the latest data via API and uses it for pair generation without errors
Conflict Detection & Resolution
"As a scheduler, I want conflicts to be identified and resolved automatically so that all users receive valid pairing assignments without manual intervention."
Description

Implement logic to detect scheduling conflicts, such as overlapping availability or maximum challenge limits, and provide automated resolution strategies. This includes fallback pairing options, notifications to adjust availability, and escalation paths for unresolved conflicts. The feature maintains a high pairing success rate and minimizes missed sessions.

Acceptance Criteria
Detect Overlapping Availabilities
Given two teammates have overlapping availability windows and are scheduled for the same challenge, when the Smart Scheduler processes the pairings, then it identifies the conflict and flags the affected pairing for resolution.
Enforce Maximum Daily Challenge Limit
Given a teammate has reached their daily maximum number of challenges, when the Smart Scheduler attempts to assign an additional pairing, then it prevents the assignment and logs the attempt as a conflict.
Fallback Pairing Assignment
Given a scheduled pairing conflict is detected and resolution is required, when fallback pairing options are available, then the Smart Scheduler reassigns the teammate to an alternative pairing that meets both participants’ availability constraints.
User Availability Adjustment Notification
Given the Smart Scheduler cannot resolve a detected scheduling conflict automatically, when the system identifies unresolved conflicts, then it sends notification prompts to affected users to adjust their availability windows.
Conflict Escalation for Unresolved Pairing
Given a scheduling conflict remains unresolved after fallback pairing and user notifications, when the escalation threshold is reached (e.g., 24 hours before scheduled time), then the system escalates the conflict to the team manager for manual intervention.
Notification & Reminder System
"As a team member, I want to receive reminders before my scheduled pairing so that I’m prepared and less likely to miss the session."
Description

Build a notification engine that sends timely alerts for upcoming pairings, changes, and confirmations. This requirement covers email and in-app notifications, customizable reminder intervals, and tracking of read receipts. It aims to reduce no-shows by keeping participants informed and engaged.

Acceptance Criteria
Upcoming Pairing Email Reminder
Given a user has a pairing scheduled 24 hours ahead and has email notifications enabled When the schedule is confirmed Then the system sends an email reminder exactly 24 hours before the pairing time
Upcoming Pairing In-App Notification
Given a user opens the app within one hour of a scheduled pairing and has in-app notifications enabled When the pairing is one hour away Then the system displays an in-app reminder notification
Pairing Time Change Notification
Given a scheduled pairing time is modified by the organizer When the update is saved Then both participants receive both an email and an in-app notification detailing the new date and time within five minutes
Notification Read Receipt Tracking
Given a notification (email or in-app) is delivered to a participant When the participant opens or clicks any link in the notification Then the system marks the notification as ‘read’ and logs the timestamp in the notification history
Custom Reminder Interval Configuration
Given a user sets a custom reminder interval (e.g., 12 hours, 30 minutes) in their notification preferences When a pairing is scheduled Then the system sends reminders at the customized intervals without sending any default reminders outside those intervals

Prompt Customizer

Empowers managers and team members to add, categorize, and filter custom prompts. With Prompt Customizer, challenges stay fresh, culturally relevant, and aligned with evolving team interests, ensuring every interaction resonates with participants.

Requirements

Prompt Creation Interface
"As a remote manager, I want a simple interface to create and submit custom prompts so that I can tailor daily challenges to my team’s interests."
Description

A user-friendly interface enabling managers and team members to compose custom prompts with rich text formatting, tags, and metadata. Integrated directly into the TeamSpark dashboard, it streamlines the creation workflow, ensures input validation, and maintains consistent styling to enhance usability and encourage creativity.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Custom Prompt
Given a manager or team member is on the Prompt Creation Interface, When they enter a prompt title and body with rich text formatting and click Save, Then the custom prompt is created, displayed in the prompt list, and saved with correct formatting.
Editing an Existing Prompt with Rich Text
Given a user selects an existing prompt from the dashboard, When they modify its content using formatting options (bold, italics, lists) and click Save, Then the prompt updates to reflect the new content and formatting without errors.
Adding and Categorizing Tags
Given a user adds one or more tags and selects a category for a prompt, When they save the prompt, Then the assigned tags and category appear on the prompt card and can be used in the filter panel to locate the prompt.
Validating Prompt Input
Given a user submits a prompt form with missing required fields or invalid formatting, When they click Save, Then the interface displays clear validation messages for each issue and prevents the prompt from being saved until all are resolved.
Reviewing Prompt Metadata Display
Given a prompt is listed in the dashboard, When a user views its details, Then metadata fields (creator name, creation date, tags, category) are displayed correctly and consistently styled according to the dashboard theme.
Prompt Categorization
"As a team lead, I want to categorize prompts by theme and difficulty so that I can quickly locate relevant challenges."
Description

A system for assigning categories and tags to custom prompts, allowing logical grouping by theme, difficulty, department, or campaign. Enhances discoverability and organization of prompts, ensuring content remains relevant and easily accessible as the prompt library grows.

Acceptance Criteria
Assigning Category to New Prompt
Given a manager creates a new custom prompt, when they select one or more categories from the dropdown and save, then the prompt is stored with the selected categories and appears under each category filter.
Filtering Prompts by Category
Given a team member views the prompt library, when they apply a category filter, then only prompts tagged with that category are displayed and the total count of visible prompts matches the expected number.
Adding and Removing Tags from Existing Prompt
Given a manager edits an existing prompt, when they add or remove tags and save changes, then the updated prompt displays the correct set of tags and old tags are removed from its metadata.
Searching Prompts by Tag
Given a team member uses the search bar with a tag filter, when they submit the search, then prompts containing that tag in their metadata are returned in the results, sorted by relevance.
Handling Invalid or Duplicate Categories
Given a manager attempts to assign an invalid or existing category name to a prompt, when they confirm the assignment, then the system blocks the action and displays a validation error explaining the issue.
Prompt Filtering
"As a team member, I want to filter prompts by category and date so that I can find the most appropriate challenge quickly."
Description

A multi-criteria filtering tool enabling users to search and narrow down prompts by keywords, categories, authors, or creation dates. Provides real-time filtering results and advanced search options to facilitate rapid selection of appropriate challenges.

Acceptance Criteria
Keyword Search Filtering
Given the user enters a keyword into the search input When the user clicks ‘Apply Filter’ or types without deferring Then only prompts whose title or content include the keyword (case-insensitive) appear instantly
Category Selection and Filtering
Given the user selects one or more categories from the category dropdown When ‘Apply Filter’ is activated Then only prompts tagged with at least one selected category are listed
Author-Based Prompt Filtering
Given the user chooses an author from the author filter dropdown When the filter is applied Then the prompt list updates to show only prompts created by the selected author
Date Range Prompt Filtering
Given the user sets a start date and end date via the date range picker When the filter is applied Then only prompts with creation timestamps within the specified range are displayed
Multi-Criteria Filtering Application
Given the user combines multiple filters (keyword, category, author, date range) When the user applies the combined filters Then the system returns only prompts that satisfy all selected criteria simultaneously
Prompt Templates Library
"As a new manager, I want access to template prompts so that I can launch engaging challenges without starting from scratch."
Description

A curated repository of pre-built prompt templates organized by use case and popularity. Offers template preview, selection, and cloning capabilities, serving as a starting point for users who need inspiration or want to deploy challenges rapidly.

Acceptance Criteria
Browsing Templates by Use Case
Given a manager is on the Templates Library page, when they select a use case filter, then only templates belonging to that use case are displayed and the total results count updates accordingly.
Sorting Templates by Popularity
Given a manager views the Templates Library, when they sort by popularity, then templates are ordered from highest to lowest usage count and the sort selection persists on page reload.
Previewing Template Details
Given a manager clicks the preview action on a template, when the preview loads, then a modal displays the template’s title, description, example challenge, and usage statistics.
Cloning Template into Custom Library
Given a manager selects the clone option on a template, when the action completes, then an editable copy is added to their Custom Prompts library with all fields prefilled.
Searching Templates by Keyword
Given a manager enters a keyword in the search bar, when they submit, then templates with matching titles or descriptions appear, highlighted terms are emphasized, and unrelated templates are excluded.
Prompt Collaboration & Sharing
"As a team member, I want to collaborate on prompt creation and provide feedback so that we can refine challenges together."
Description

Functionality allowing team members to co-create and share custom prompts, featuring collaborative editing, inline comments, and version history. Empowers collective input, improves prompt quality, and fosters a sense of shared ownership.

Acceptance Criteria
Collaborative Editing Session Initiation
Given two or more users open the same custom prompt for editing, When one user makes a change to the prompt content, Then all other users see the update within 2 seconds without page refresh.
Inline Commenting Feature
Given a user highlights a section of the prompt, When they add an inline comment, Then the comment is saved, visible in a comment pane, and notifications are sent to other collaborators in the prompt.
Version History Access
Given a user views the prompt details, When they open the version history tab, Then a chronological list of all saved versions with timestamps and authors is displayed, and the user can preview or restore any version.
Prompt Sharing Permissions
Given a manager shares a custom prompt with a team or group, When team members navigate to the shared prompts list, Then the newly shared prompt appears with the correct access level (view/edit) assigned.
Conflict Resolution Handling
Given two users attempt to edit the same prompt segment simultaneously, When a conflict is detected, Then the system alerts both users, displays conflicting changes side by side, and allows selection of the preferred version or manual merge.

Instant Video Connect

Integrates with popular video conferencing tools to enable one-click, 3-minute video calls for each Spark Roulette pairing. Eliminating setup friction, Instant Video Connect creates authentic face-to-face moments that deepen connections beyond text-based interactions.

Requirements

Secure Video API Integration
"As a remote team member, I want the app to securely connect to my existing video conferencing accounts so that I can start video calls without manually configuring credentials."
Description

Implement seamless OAuth-based integration with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, including secure credential storage, token refresh mechanisms, and robust error handling to ensure reliable connections. This integration eliminates manual setup for users and leverages existing video conferencing accounts to streamline call initiation.

Acceptance Criteria
OAuth Authentication Flow Initiation
Given the user selects Zoom in TeamSpark settings, when they click "Connect Zoom", then a Zoom OAuth consent screen is displayed for authentication.
Credential Storage and Encryption
When a user successfully completes OAuth, then their access and refresh tokens are stored encrypted at rest with AES-256 encryption and no plaintext tokens are persisted.
Token Refresh Mechanism
Given an expired access token for Google Meet, when a user initiates a call, then the system uses the refresh token to obtain a new access token before retrying the API call without user intervention.
Error Handling During Integration
Given an invalid client secret for Microsoft Teams, when the user attempts to authenticate, then the system displays a clear error message to the user and logs the error with a unique reference ID for support troubleshooting.
Successful Call Initiation
Given valid OAuth tokens for any integrated service, when a Spark Roulette pairing starts, then clicking "Launch Call" establishes a meeting link via the selected platform API within two seconds.
One-Click Call Launch UI
"As a remote team member, I want a single button to launch my video chat with my pairing partner so that I can start conversations quickly without navigating multiple screens."
Description

Design and embed a prominent ‘Start Video Chat’ button within the Spark Roulette pairing interface that dynamically adapts to each user’s chosen platform. Include intuitive loading indicators and contextual tooltips to guide new users, ensuring minimal clicks and clear visual feedback when initiating a call.

Acceptance Criteria
Button Visibility
Given a user views the Spark Roulette pairing interface, When the page loads, Then the “Start Video Chat” button displays in the primary action area with the designated brand color, minimum size of 48x48px, and clear contrast against the background
Platform Detection
Given a user has selected or is auto-detected on a video platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet), When the pairing interface renders, Then the “Start Video Chat” button label and launch URL dynamically adapt to the user’s chosen platform
Loading Indicator Feedback
Given a user clicks the “Start Video Chat” button, When the call connection is initializing, Then a spinner and “Connecting…” text appear in place of the button and persist until the call window opens
Tooltip Guidance
Given a first-time user hovers over the “Start Video Chat” button, When the tooltip delay threshold (500ms) elapses, Then a tooltip displays with guidance text “Click to start a 3-minute video call” and dismisses on mouse leave
Call Initiation
Given a user clicks the “Start Video Chat” button, When the connection establishes successfully, Then the system opens a new window or tab with the correct platform meeting link and logs the call event in analytics
Call Session Management
"As a remote team member, I want my 3-minute video calls to start and end automatically so that I can focus on conversation without worrying about timekeeping."
Description

Automate 3-minute video sessions by triggering session start upon partner connection, displaying a countdown timer, issuing a one-minute remaining warning, and terminating the session precisely at three minutes. Provide on-screen notifications for session start/end to keep users informed without manual timing.

Acceptance Criteria
Session Initiation on Partner Connection
Given two participants are matched and each clicks 'Join', when both participants join, then the video session automatically starts and a countdown timer displaying 3:00 appears on both screens.
Accurate Countdown Timer
Throughout the active session, the on-screen timer must decrement in one-second intervals and reflect server time with no more than one second of drift over the entire three-minute duration.
One-Minute Remaining Warning
Given the countdown timer reaches exactly 1:00 minute remaining, when this threshold is hit, then a clear on-screen notification stating '1 minute remaining' must appear for at least five seconds for both participants.
Automatic Session Termination at Three Minutes
When the countdown timer reaches 0:00, the system must automatically terminate the video call for both participants without user intervention and display an 'Session Ended' message.
Start and End Notifications Visibility
On session start, a 'Session Started' banner must appear prominently for five seconds, and on session end, a 'Session Ended' banner must appear for five seconds before disappearing.
Quality Monitoring & Fallback
"As a remote team member, I want the system to adjust or fallback to audio if my video call quality degrades so that my connection remains stable even on poor networks."
Description

Continuously monitor network bandwidth and media performance metrics during calls. Automatically adjust video resolution or switch to audio-only mode when quality degrades, and offer a retry option on call failures. Display status alerts to users about connection quality and fallback actions taken.

Acceptance Criteria
Video Resolution Downscaling on Low Bandwidth
Given a user is on a video call and network bandwidth drops below 500 kbps When the system detects sustained low bandwidth for 5 seconds Then the video resolution automatically downscales to 360p or lower without interrupting the call
Automatic Audio-Only Mode Activation
Given a user’s video call experiences packet loss above 5% for 10 seconds When media performance metrics indicate video jitter above threshold Then the system switches the call to audio-only mode and informs both participants
Retry Mechanism After Call Failure
Given a video call fails to connect or disconnects unexpectedly When a call failure is detected Then the system offers a retry button within 10 seconds and successfully re-establishes the call on retry
User Alert for Connection Quality Changes
Given a user is in a call and connection quality degrades or improves When the system changes video resolution or mode Then a non-intrusive alert appears within 3 seconds detailing the action taken and current call quality
Performance Logging of Media Metrics
Given any video call session When bandwidth, packet loss, and jitter metrics are collected Then all metrics are logged to the analytics service in real-time without impacting call performance
Usage Analytics & Reporting
"As a team manager, I want to see analytics on how often and how long team members use Instant Video Connect so that I can assess engagement and plan interventions."
Description

Capture and store metrics on call frequency, duration, participant engagement, and platform usage. Build a dashboard for managers to filter and visualize trends by team, date range, and individual usage, enabling data-driven insights into engagement levels and feature adoption.

Acceptance Criteria
Call Frequency Dashboard View
Given a manager accesses the Usage Analytics dashboard and selects a team and date range, when the dashboard loads, then it displays the total number of Instant Video Connect calls per day in a line chart, and the displayed values match the stored call frequency data within a 1% variance.
Call Duration Reporting
Given a manager filters by team and date range on the dashboard, when the data loads, then the system calculates and displays the average and median call durations, and each metric is accurate within ±5 seconds of the source logs.
Participant Engagement Metrics
Given a manager views individual user engagement, when selecting a user and date range, then the dashboard shows the total number of calls joined, total minutes spent on calls, and an engagement score computed based on defined reaction and participation metrics.
Platform Usage Trend Visualization
Given a manager chooses a visualization type (line, bar, or heatmap) for usage trends by team and date range, when the option is selected, then the dashboard updates within 2 seconds and accurately reflects the filtered usage data.
Data Export Functionality
Given a manager applies filters on team and date range and clicks the export button, when the export completes, then the system generates a CSV file with correct headers and rows matching the filtered dataset, and the file downloads successfully.

Streak Tracker

Monitors daily participation streaks for each user, visually displaying milestones and rewarding consistency with badges and leaderboard placements. Streak Tracker incentivizes ongoing engagement, fostering friendly competition and a sense of accomplishment.

Requirements

Real-Time Streak Computation
"As a user, I want my daily participation streak to be calculated immediately after I complete a challenge so that I can see my current streak status without delay."
Description

Provide the algorithm and backend infrastructure to calculate user streaks in real time, considering daily participation criteria, time zones, and data consistency, ensuring accurate tracking and timely updates to the user interface.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Login Participation Across Time Zones
Given a user logs in at any time during their local calendar day, When the backend receives the login event, Then the user’s streak count increments by one and the updated streak is reflected in the UI within 5 seconds.
Consistency Badge Assignment
Given a user reaches a streak milestone (5, 10, 20 days), When the streak count is updated, Then the system assigns the corresponding badge to the user’s profile and notifies them via in-app notification.
Leaderboard Update for Streak Changes
Given a user’s streak count changes, When the streak is updated, Then the leaderboard reflects the new ranking and displays updated streaks for all users within 10 seconds.
Streak Reset After Missed Participation
Given a user fails to participate within their local calendar day, When the next day begins at 00:00 local time, Then the user’s streak count resets to zero and a reset notification is sent.
Real-Time Data Consistency Under Concurrent Updates
Given multiple events from a single user within a short interval, When events are processed concurrently, Then the streak calculation remains accurate with no duplicate or lost increments.
Milestone Badge Generation
"As a user, I want to receive a badge when I hit a streak milestone so that I feel rewarded and motivated to continue participating."
Description

Automatically generate and award badges when users reach predefined streak milestones, including design assets, awarding logic, and integration with the user profile for visual display and recognition.

Acceptance Criteria
Five-Day Streak Badge Awarding
Given a user completes challenges 5 days in a row When the system processes end-of-day streak updates Then the user is automatically awarded the “5-Day Streak” badge in their profile
Ten-Day Streak Badge Awarding
Given a user completes challenges 10 days in a row When the system processes end-of-day streak updates Then the user is automatically awarded the “10-Day Streak” badge in their profile
Badges Display in User Profile
Given a badge has been awarded When the user opens their profile on web or mobile Then the badge icon, name, and award date appear correctly under the badges section
Badge Design Asset Integration
Given badge design assets are provided in SVG and PNG (100×100 px) When the award process displays the badge Then the correct asset loads without distortion on all supported devices
Leaderboard Badge Indicator Update
Given a user earns a new badge When the leaderboard refreshes in real time Then the badge icon displays next to the user’s name within 5 seconds
Streak Leaderboard Integration
"As a team member, I want to see how my streak compares to others on the leaderboard so that I can engage in friendly competition."
Description

Integrate streak data into the global and team leaderboards, updating rankings dynamically based on current streak lengths, and enabling users to compare their streaks with peers.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Global Leaderboard Rankings
Given users with recorded streaks exist When a user opens the global leaderboard Then the list displays all users sorted by descending streak length with accurate streak counts and usernames visible
Viewing Team Leaderboard Rankings
Given a user belongs to one or more teams When the user selects a team leaderboard Then only members of that team are displayed, sorted by current streak length, and team affiliation is indicated
Real-time Streak Update Propagation
Given a user completes a daily challenge and extends their streak When the user’s streak is updated Then the leaderboard rankings refresh automatically within 30 seconds to reflect the new streak length
Daily Reset and Streak Calculations
Given the daily reset occurs at midnight UTC When the date changes Then streaks are incremented for users who participated yesterday and reset to zero for users who did not, with leaderboards updating accordingly
Streak Tie-Breaker Handling
Given two or more users share the same streak length When the leaderboard is displayed Then users with identical streaks are ordered by earliest streak start date, and ties are visually indicated
Streak Reminder Notifications
"As a user, I want to receive reminders when I'm about to break my streak so that I don't lose my progress unintentionally."
Description

Implement push and email notifications to remind users to participate before their streak resets, with configurable timing, templates, and frequency controls to drive engagement and prevent streak loss.

Acceptance Criteria
User Configures Reminder Timing
Given a user sets a custom reminder lead time before their streak reset, when the configured time is reached, then the system sends the reminder notification exactly at the user’s specified time.
Manager Customizes Email Template
Given a manager edits the reminder email template using placeholders for user name and streak count, when the system sends the email, then all placeholders are correctly replaced and the email format matches the template preview.
System Respects Notification Frequency Limits
Given a user opts in for both email and push reminders with a maximum of one notification per channel per day, when multiple triggers occur, then the system sends no more than one email and one push notification within a 24-hour period.
User Receives Timely Reminder Notifications
Given a reminder is scheduled, when the reminder time arrives, then the user receives the push and/or email notification within five minutes of that scheduled time.
Reminder Triggers for Imminent Streak Loss
Given a user has not participated two hours before their streak reset, when the two-hour threshold is reached, then the system automatically sends a reminder notification to the user.
Streak Recovery Flow
"As a user, I want a grace period to recover my streak if I miss a day so that I can continue my streak despite occasional lapses."
Description

Provide a controlled recovery mechanism allowing users to reclaim a streak within a grace period after missing a day, including user prompts, grace-period calculation, and manual reset options, to maintain motivation.

Acceptance Criteria
User Initiates Streak Recovery Within Grace Period
Given a user has missed a daily challenge and is within the defined grace period When the user selects "Recover Streak" in the streak tracker interface Then the system calculates the remaining time in the grace period, prompts the user to confirm recovery, and restores the streak count to its value before the missed day without resetting milestone progress.
System Calculates Grace-Period Duration
Given the timestamp of the user's last completed challenge is recorded When the user views the streak tracker after a missed day Then the system accurately computes and displays the remaining recovery window in hours and minutes.
User Recovers Streak with Manual Reset Option
Given the user’s grace period has expired When the user clicks "Recover Streak" and selects the manual reset option Then the system resets the streak count to 1, logs the reset action, and does not award any additional badges or leaderboard points.
User Receives Visual Feedback on Recovery
Given a recovery request has been processed successfully When the system completes the streak restoration Then the UI displays a confirmation message, updates the streak count visually on the tracker, and plays the recovery animation without errors.
Failed Recovery Attempt Beyond Grace Period
Given a user attempts to recover a streak after the grace period has passed When the user selects "Recover Streak" Then the system displays an error message stating the grace period has expired and disables the recovery action until the next valid day.

Dynamic Pairing Algorithm

Leverages AI-driven analytics to optimize matchups, avoiding repeated pairings and prioritizing interactions between teammates who haven’t connected recently. This ensures diverse connections, maximizes network-building opportunities, and promotes inclusivity.

Requirements

Data Ingestion & Team Mapping
"As a remote manager, I want the algorithm to integrate up-to-date team information so that pairings reflect current team composition and availability."
Description

Integrate and normalize team roster data, communication logs, time zones, availability schedules, and organizational hierarchies to build a comprehensive profile for each team member, ensuring the pairing algorithm has accurate and current information for matchmaking.

Acceptance Criteria
New Team Roster Data Ingestion
Given an incoming roster CSV file from the HR system containing employee IDs, names, email addresses, roles, and departments, When the system ingests the file, Then it validates mandatory fields (employee ID, name, email, department), rejects records with missing or malformed data, logs errors with line numbers, and successfully adds or updates valid records in the team mapping database within five minutes of ingestion.
Availability Schedule Updates
Given updated availability schedules retrieved via the calendar API for each team member, When the system processes the schedule data, Then it normalizes all availability entries into UTC format, updates each member’s profile with the new availability, and ensures the next pairing run uses the updated schedules without manual intervention.
Time Zone Data Normalization
Given location-based time zone strings from user profiles, When the system processes time zone data during nightly sync, Then it converts each string into the standardized IANA time zone format, verifies each conversion against the reference registry, and flags any unrecognized time zones for manual review without failing the overall sync.
Organizational Hierarchy Synchronization
Given the latest organizational hierarchy export from the org management tool, When the system executes the hierarchy sync job, Then it maps manager-subordinate relationships accurately in the team mapping database within ten minutes of job completion, and preserves previous hierarchy versions for audit purposes.
Communication Log Integration
Given communication logs pulled from the Slack API covering the past 30 days, When the system imports these logs, Then it extracts participant IDs and timestamps, normalizes participant IDs to internal employee IDs, stores logs into the communication history database, ensures no duplicate entries are created, and achieves at least 99% data accuracy.
Pairing Frequency Optimization
"As a team member, I want to be paired with different colleagues at appropriate intervals so that I build new connections without repetition."
Description

Calculate and enforce optimal intervals between pairings by analyzing historical match data, preventing recent repeats, and evenly distributing interactions across team members to maintain engagement without fatigue.

Acceptance Criteria
New Team Member Onboarding Pairing
Given a new team member with no prior pairings When the dynamic pairing algorithm schedules the next session Then the new member is paired with a teammate they have not met before And the pairing adheres to interval constraints for existing members
Prevent Recent Repeat Pairings
Given two teammates were paired within the last 7 days When the algorithm generates new pairings for the upcoming session Then those teammates are not paired together And they are scheduled only after the minimum interval has passed
Ensure Even Pair Distribution Over Time
Given the pairing history over the past 30 days When calculating pair assignments for the next session Then no two team members differ by more than one total pairing And each member is paired with every other member at least once when possible
Odd Team Member Handling
Given an odd number of active team members When the pairing schedule is created Then one group of three is formed And no member is placed in a group of three more than once per week
Unavailable Member Exclusion
Given a member has marked themselves unavailable for pairing on a specific date When the pairing algorithm runs for that date Then the unavailable member is excluded from all pair assignments And the remaining members are rebalanced to maintain frequency optimization
Diversity & Novelty Enforcement
"As a team member, I want to meet colleagues from diverse backgrounds and roles so that I expand my network and gain fresh perspectives."
Description

Implement logic to prioritize matchups between teammates who haven’t connected recently, balancing across roles, departments, seniority levels, and time zones to maximize diversity, inclusivity, and exposure to new perspectives.

Acceptance Criteria
Recent Connection Avoidance
Given the AI pairing runs daily, when generating pairs, then no two teammates who have had a pairing session in the past 30 days are matched.
Role Diversity Enforcement
Given a full list of team members with roles defined, when selecting pairs, then at least 80% of the generated pairings consist of teammates with different primary roles.
Department Cross-Pollination
Given multiple departments represented in the team, when generating pairs, then at least 70% of pairings occur between teammates from different departments unless prevented by team size constraints.
Seniority Level Balance
Given defined seniority levels for each teammate, when matching, then 90% of pairs include teammates from different seniority levels (e.g., junior with senior).
Time Zone Overlap Optimization
Given teammates' time zones and working hours, when scheduling paired sessions, then scheduled meeting times provide a minimum of four overlapping working hours for both participants.
Real-time Match Feedback
"As a user, I want to rate my pairing experience and preferences so that future matches better align with my connection goals."
Description

Provide an in-app interface for users to rate and comment on each pairing session immediately after completion, feeding preference data back into the algorithm to continuously improve match relevance and user satisfaction.

Acceptance Criteria
Prompting Users for Feedback Post-Session
Given a pairing session completes, when the session ends, then the user is presented with a feedback prompt within 10 seconds including rating stars and a comment field.
Submitting Ratings and Comments
Given the feedback prompt is displayed, when the user selects a rating between 1 and 5 and enters a comment up to 250 characters, then the 'Submit' button becomes enabled, and on click feedback is sent to the server with a success acknowledgement.
Real-Time Validation of Input
Given the user enters feedback, when the comment exceeds 250 characters, then a character limit warning is displayed and submission is prevented until within limit.
Feedback Data Integration
Given feedback is submitted, when the server receives it, then the data is processed and immediately stored in the user preference database and an API call updates the pairing algorithm.
Accessibility and Usability of Feedback Interface
Given the feedback interface is displayed, when the user navigates via keyboard or screen reader, then all elements are focusable, have accessible labels, and the interface meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Historical Pairing Dashboard
"As a manager, I want to view pairing history and metrics so that I can monitor engagement and adjust pairing strategies."
Description

Develop a visual dashboard displaying past pairing history, metrics on unique match counts, frequency distributions, and suggested upcoming pairings, enabling managers to monitor engagement and adjust pairing strategies.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Past Pairing History
Given the manager navigates to the Historical Pairing Dashboard, When the dashboard loads, Then a chronological list of past pairings is displayed, showing the date, time, and names of both participants for each pairing.
Displaying Unique Match Counts
Given the manager views the Historical Pairing Dashboard, Then each team member’s total number of unique pairings over the past 30 days is displayed and updated in real time.
Visualizing Frequency Distribution
Given the manager selects the frequency distribution view, When the data for the past 12 weeks is loaded, Then a bar chart is shown with weekly pairing counts and tooltips that display exact values on hover.
Suggesting Upcoming Pairings
Given the manager clicks the “Suggest Pairings” button, When the algorithm completes analysis, Then at least five suggested pairings are generated prioritizing teammates who haven’t connected recently and each suggestion includes a rationale.
Filtering by Date Range
Given the manager applies a custom date range filter, When the filter is applied, Then all metrics, charts, and pairing lists update to reflect only pairings within the selected date range.

Challenge Replay

Lets users revisit and replay favorite past prompts with new or previous partners. Challenge Replay turns memorable moments into repeatable experiences, allowing teams to relive high-energy interactions and celebrate shared history.

Requirements

Past Challenges Library
"As a remote team member, I want to browse and search past challenges so that I can quickly find and replay my favorite experiences."
Description

Provide a searchable library of past challenges, with filters by date, category, and participants to locate favorite prompts. This feature integrates seamlessly with the main dashboard, offering a user-friendly interface that highlights memorable moments and accelerates access to replayable content. It ensures high discoverability and easy navigation, fostering engagement by helping teams quickly find and relive their best experiences.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter by Date Range
Given a user selects a start and end date and applies the filter, then only challenges whose dates fall within that range are displayed in the library.
Filter by Category
Given a user chooses one or more challenge categories and applies the filter, then the library lists only challenges matching the selected categories.
Filter by Participants
Given a user selects one or more past participants and applies the filter, then only challenges involving those participants are shown.
Search by Keyword
Given a user enters a keyword in the search bar and initiates search, then challenges with titles or descriptions containing that keyword are returned.
Launch Challenge Replay
Given a user clicks the 'Replay' button on a listed challenge, then the selected challenge loads with previous settings and partner assignments, ready to start.
Replay Session Launcher
"As a team manager, I want to launch a replay session with selected participants so that I can re-create high-energy interactions effortlessly."
Description

Enable users to initiate a replay session directly from the library, selecting challenge, participants (new or previous), and time settings for seamless execution. This component connects to the real-time session engine, pre-loads the selected challenge parameters, and guides users with a streamlined setup process. It ensures minimal friction when reliving high-energy team moments.

Acceptance Criteria
Challenge Selection from Library
Given the user is on the challenge library page, When the user clicks on a past challenge item, Then the system fetches and displays the challenge details within 2 seconds.
Participant Selection for Replay
Given the replay setup screen is displayed, When the user selects one or more participants or opts to reuse previous participants, Then the system validates the selections and highlights any invalid entries.
Time Settings Configuration
Given the user is on the time settings step, When the user inputs a start date, start time, and duration within allowed parameters, Then the system accepts the inputs and shows a confirmation summary.
Launching Replay Session
Given the challenge, participants, and time settings are configured, When the user clicks the ‘Launch Session’ button, Then the system sends a request to the session engine with the correct parameters and receives a success response.
Guided Setup Confirmation
Given the session engine returns a successful response with a session ID and join link, When the user is redirected to the confirmation screen, Then the system displays the session ID, join link, and next steps instructions.
Challenge Parameter Configuration
"As a challenge facilitator, I want to adjust replay parameters so that the experience matches my team's current needs."
Description

Allow customization of challenge parameters for replays, including difficulty, duration, and team size, ensuring tailored experiences each time. This requirement enhances flexibility by enabling facilitators to adjust settings based on team dynamics and event context, while maintaining consistency with the original challenge design.

Acceptance Criteria
Default Parameters Verification
Given a facilitator selects Challenge Replay without customizing settings, When the replay initiates, Then the system uses the original challenge’s difficulty, duration, and team size parameters exactly as they were in the initial activity.
Custom Difficulty Selection
Given a facilitator adjusts the difficulty slider to a specified level (e.g., Easy, Medium, Hard), When the replay starts, Then the challenge reflects the selected difficulty setting and presents prompts appropriate to that level.
Duration Adjustment Confirmation
Given a facilitator enters a custom duration value in minutes, When the replay is launched, Then the challenge runs for the exact number of minutes specified without exceeding or cutting short the time.
Team Size Enforcement
Given a facilitator sets a desired team size, When participants join the replay, Then the system enforces the set team size, preventing additional participants from joining once the limit is reached.
Parameter Persistence on Replay
Given a facilitator configures custom parameters and ends the session, When the facilitator later replays the same challenge with those settings, Then the system preloads and displays the previously saved parameters for review or further adjustment.
Partner Selection Persistence
"As a team member, I want the system to suggest past partner combinations so that I can easily recreate memorable collaborations."
Description

Remember and suggest previous partner combinations and automatically recommend popular pairings for quick setup in replays. By storing partnership history and analyzing collaborative patterns, this feature streamlines the creation of meaningful interactions and promotes the recreation of successful team dynamics.

Acceptance Criteria
Returning User Sees Previous Partners
Given a user revisits the Challenge Replay setup page and has at least one past pairing history, when the page loads, then the system displays a list of previous partner combinations sorted by most recent use.
Automatic Popular Pairings Suggestions
Given a user has completed at least ten challenges with various partners, when they open the Challenge Replay dialog, then the system automatically recommends the top five most frequent partner combinations.
User Selects Suggested Partner
Given the system displays suggested partner combinations, when the user clicks on a recommended pairing, then the partner selection fields auto-populate with that combination and are ready for replay initiation.
Data Persistence Across Sessions
Given a user finishes a session after selecting partners for a challenge replay, when they log in from any device or new session, then all previously used partner combinations remain saved and available.
Performance Under Large History
Given a user has over one hundred recorded partner combinations, when they access the Challenge Replay setup page, then the partner history and suggestions load within two seconds and the interface remains fully responsive.
Replay History Analytics
"As a remote team manager, I want to view analytics on which challenges are replayed most often so that I can understand what engages my team."
Description

Track and display analytics on replay frequency, popular challenges, and engagement metrics to help managers identify top-performing prompts. Integrated with the reporting dashboard, this requirement provides visual insights and trends, enabling data-driven decisions on which challenges to prioritize for future sessions.

Acceptance Criteria
View Replay Frequency Trends
Given the manager opens the Replay History Analytics dashboard When the “Replay Frequency” graph loads Then it displays the number of times each challenge was replayed over the past 30 days with daily granularity
Identify Top Challenges
Given the analytics dashboard is filtered for a selected time range When the manager selects “Top Challenges” Then the system highlights the five most replayed challenges and displays their replay counts in descending order
Engagement Metrics Filter
Given the manager needs to analyze user engagement When they apply filters for team, date range, and partner type Then the dashboard updates to show average engagement rates, completion times, and participation counts for filtered results
Challenge Replay Insights Export
Given the manager wants to share analytics When they click the “Export Insights” button Then the system generates and downloads a CSV file containing replay frequency, popularity rank, and engagement metrics for all challenges within the selected timeframe
Dashboard Data Refresh Performance
Given new replay data is available When the system syncs with the reporting database Then the Replay History Analytics dashboard refreshes within 5 seconds and displays the latest metrics without page reload

Auction Arena

Introduce a dynamic bidding system where teammates can bid their earned points on limited-edition badges. Auction Arena fosters friendly competition, highlights high-value recognitions, and ensures fair, transparent transactions in a live marketplace environment.

Requirements

Real-Time Auction Display
"As a team member, I want to see live updates of auction status and current highest bids so that I can make informed bidding decisions in real-time."
Description

The system must present a live interface showcasing all ongoing auctions, current highest bids, bidder identifiers, remaining time, and badge details. The display updates in real-time without requiring page refresh, ensuring participants have accurate and timely visibility into auction status, driving engagement and competitive bidding. Integrates with backend WebSocket service for bid updates and synchronizes with user sessions across devices.

Acceptance Criteria
Opening Auction Live Page
When a user navigates to the Auction Arena interface, the page loads all ongoing auctions, current highest bids, bidder identifiers, remaining time, and badge details within 2 seconds.
Real-Time Bid Update Display
Given a new bid is placed, all active clients update the highest bid amount and bidder identifier within 1 second without requiring a page refresh.
Cross-Device Synchronization
When a user is logged in on multiple devices, a bid placed on one device reflects the updated highest bid and remaining time simultaneously on all devices.
Badge Detail Visibility
For each auction item, the badge name, description, and image render correctly and match backend data for all ongoing auctions.
Auction Time Countdown Accuracy
The remaining time countdown for each auction decrements in real time, displays minutes and seconds accurately, and transitions to an 'Auction Closed' state when it reaches zero.
Bid Submission Interface
"As a team member, I want to place bids easily and see my bid reflected immediately so that I can confidently participate without confusion."
Description

Provides a straightforward input mechanism for users to enter their bid amounts on selected badges, with validations for minimum increment rules and confirmation prompts to prevent accidental bids. The interface displays the user’s current point balance, updates immediately upon bid placement, and integrates seamlessly within the auction view to maintain a cohesive user experience.

Acceptance Criteria
Valid Bid Placement with Sufficient Points
Given the user’s current point balance is greater than or equal to the current highest bid plus the minimum increment, When the user enters a bid amount that meets or exceeds this threshold and clicks confirm, Then the bid is accepted, the auction view updates to display the new highest bid, and the user’s point balance decreases accordingly.
Bid Below Minimum Increment
Given the current highest bid is 100 points and the minimum increment is 10 points, When the user attempts to place a bid of 109 points, Then the system displays an error message indicating the minimum required bid is 110 points and the confirm button remains disabled.
Bid Exceeding Point Balance
Given the user’s current point balance is 200 points, When the user enters a bid amount of 250 points, Then the system displays an “Insufficient points” error and prevents the bid from being submitted.
Confirmation Prompt on Bid Submission
Given the user has entered a valid bid amount, When the user clicks the submit button, Then a confirmation dialog appears showing the bid amount, badge details, and updated remaining balance, allowing the user to confirm or cancel the bid.
Immediate Point Balance Update Post-Bid
Given a bid has been successfully placed, When the auction view refreshes, Then the user’s displayed point balance updates within two seconds to reflect the deducted amount without requiring a manual page refresh.
Points Balance Validation
"As a team member, I want the system to block my bid if I lack enough points so that I don’t accidentally overspend."
Description

Automatically verifies that users have sufficient points before allowing bid submission. Prevents overbidding by checking against real-time point totals, displays warnings for insufficient funds, and optionally prompts users to earn more points through completing challenges. Ensures fairness and prevents negative point balances in the system.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful Bid with Sufficient Points
Given the user has 500 points and the current bid is 300 points, When the user submits the bid, Then the bid is accepted and the user's point balance is reduced by 300 points.
Bid Rejection for Insufficient Points
Given the user has 200 points and the current bid is 250 points, When the user attempts to submit the bid, Then the bid is blocked and an 'Insufficient points' warning is displayed.
Real-time Balance Update on Concurrent Bids
Given multiple auctions are live and the user places a bid in one auction, When the bid is accepted, Then the updated point balance is reflected immediately across all auction interfaces.
Prompt to Earn More Points
Given the user has insufficient points to place a bid, When the bid is blocked, Then the system displays a prompt with options to complete a challenge to earn more points.
Prevention of Negative Balance on End-of-Auction
Given a last-second bid from the user that would exceed the final points available, When the bid is processed at auction close, Then the system rejects the bid to prevent a negative balance and logs the attempt.
Auction Timer and Countdown
"As a team member, I want to see a countdown and receive alerts before an auction ends so that I can plan my final bids accordingly."
Description

Implements a synchronized countdown timer for each auction item, visible to all participants. Sends notifications when auctions are nearing end (e.g., one minute remaining), and ensures the auction automatically closes at zero. Handles edge cases like simultaneous bids at closing time by extending the timer by a few seconds to allow counter-bids.

Acceptance Criteria
Live Auction Countdown Display
Given a live auction is active, when a participant views the auction item, then the countdown timer is visible showing hours, minutes, and seconds remaining, and updates every second.
Auction Ending Notification
Given an auction has 60 seconds remaining, when the timer reaches 60 seconds, then all participants receive a real-time notification indicating one minute left before the auction closes.
Automatic Auction Closure
Given the countdown timer reaches zero, when it hits 00:00, then the auction closes automatically, no further bids are accepted, and the highest bidder is declared the winner.
Bid Extension on Last-Second Bids
Given a bid is placed within the last 5 seconds of the auction, when the bid is received, then the countdown timer extends by 5 additional seconds and the updated time is synchronized for all participants.
Synchronized Timer Across Devices
Given participants join from different devices and time zones, when the auction starts, then the countdown timer is synchronized within ±1 second for all participants, regardless of device or location.
Winner Notification and Badge Distribution
"As a winner, I want to be notified and receive my badge automatically so that I feel rewarded and acknowledged promptly."
Description

Upon auction close, notifies the highest bidder via in-app notification and email, deducts the winning bid from their point balance, and automatically awards the limited-edition badge to their profile. Updates leaderboards and sends celebratory announcements in team channels to recognize winners and foster community engagement.

Acceptance Criteria
Highest Bidder Notification
Given an auction has closed and a user is the highest bidder, when the system processes the auction results, then the user receives an in-app notification within 1 minute containing the badge name, bid amount, and auction summary; and an email with the same details is sent to the user’s registered address within 5 minutes.
Point Deduction for Winning Bid
Given the highest bidder is identified, when the system finalizes the auction, then the user’s point balance is reduced by the exact bid amount, and the new balance is accurately reflected in their profile and account history.
Badge Assignment to Winner Profile
Given the winning bid has been processed and points deducted, when the system updates user awards, then the limited-edition badge is added to the user’s profile badges list and visible in their public profile immediately.
Leaderboard Update Post-Auction
Given the auction results are finalized, when the system recalculates rankings, then the winner’s position on the points leaderboard and badge-specific leaderboard is updated within 2 minutes, reflecting the new point total and badge acquisition.
Team Channel Celebratory Announcement
Given a winner has been determined, when the system posts announcements, then a celebratory message including the winner’s name, badge won, and bid amount is sent to the designated team channel via supported integrations within 2 minutes of auction close.
Auction History and Analytics
"As a manager, I want access to auction reports and histories so that I can measure team engagement and plan better challenges."
Description

Stores detailed records of all auction activities including bid history, timestamps, bidder identities, and final sale prices. Provides managers with dashboard views and exportable reports to analyze participation trends, popular badges, and point currency circulation, enabling data-driven decisions for future badge offerings.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Auction Activity Timeline
Given a manager accesses the Auction History page When they select a specific date range Then the system displays all auction events in chronological order with timestamps, bidder identities, bid amounts, badge names, and final sale prices
Generating Participation Trend Reports
Given a manager navigates to the Analytics dashboard When they choose a 30-day timeframe for participation trends Then the system generates a line chart showing the daily count of unique bidders and total bids placed, with drill-down capability for each day
Exporting Auction Data as CSV
Given a manager is on the Auction History or Analytics view When they click the Export button and select CSV format Then a download is initiated containing all visible auction records including bid history, timestamps, bidder IDs, badge details, and sale prices
Filtering Auction Records by Badge Type
Given a manager views the Auction History table When they apply a filter for a specific badge type Then the table updates to show only bids and sales related to that badge, and the total count and average sale price are recalculated accordingly
Viewing Point Currency Circulation Dashboard
Given a manager opens the Analytics section When they select Point Circulation metrics Then the dashboard displays a pie chart and numeric summary of points earned, points spent in auctions, and points remaining across all users for the selected period
Fairness and Fraud Protection
"As an administrator, I want safeguards against fraudulent bids so that the auction remains fair and credible for all participants."
Description

Implements anti-fraud measures like rate limiting on bids, anomaly detection for suspicious bidding patterns, and audit logs for administrative review. Ensures all transactions are transparent and traceable, protects against automated bidding scripts, and maintains trust in the auction system’s integrity.

Acceptance Criteria
Rate Limiting Enforcement Scenario
Given a user attempts to place more than 5 bids within a 60-second window on any auction item, When the sixth bid request is submitted, Then the system must reject the bid with a 429 Too Many Requests response and display an error message stating "Rate limit exceeded. Please wait before bidding again."
Suspicious Bidding Pattern Detection Scenario
Given a user places bids with identical incremental amounts on three or more different items within a 5-minute period, When the third bid is recorded, Then the system flags the user’s account for suspicious activity and generates an automated alert to the fraud monitoring dashboard.
Automated Script Prevention Scenario
Given bid submission requests originating from the same IP address at intervals shorter than 200 milliseconds for five consecutive attempts, When the fifth rapid request is processed, Then the system must temporarily block further requests from that IP for 15 minutes and display a CAPTCHA challenge to verify human interaction.
Audit Log Transparency Scenario
Given any successful or rejected bid transaction, When the transaction completes, Then the system must write an immutable log entry that includes timestamp, user ID, item ID, bid amount, bid status, and request source IP, and ensure logs are accessible via the admin audit interface with search and export capabilities.
Administrative Review Workflow Scenario
Given the system has flagged a user’s bidding activity as suspicious, When an admin reviews the flagged record, Then the admin can mark the activity as "Legitimate" or "Fraudulent," and the system must record this decision, timestamp, and admin ID in the audit log and adjust the user’s account status accordingly.

Badge Builder

Empower users to craft custom badges using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a library of icons, colors, and templates. Badge Builder enables teams to celebrate unique achievements with personalized designs that reflect specific team culture and milestones.

Requirements

Drag-and-Drop Interface
"As a team manager, I want to drag and drop badge elements so that I can design custom badges quickly without technical expertise."
Description

Provide a visual canvas where users can drag and drop icons, text, and shapes to assemble custom badges. This intuitive interface removes technical barriers, enabling team managers to rapidly create unique badges that celebrate milestones. The canvas integrates seamlessly with the badge builder library and supports layering, alignment guides, and snapping to enhance precision.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding Icons to the Badge Canvas
Given the user opens the badge builder and selects an icon from the library When the user drags the icon onto the canvas Then the icon appears at the dropped location and is selectable
Aligning Elements with Alignment Guides
Given multiple elements on the canvas When the user moves an element near another element’s edge or center Then an alignment guide snaps into view and the element snaps into alignment along the corresponding axis
Snapping Elements to Grid
Given the user has grid snapping enabled When the user drags an element onto the canvas and moves it close to a grid intersection Then the element snaps precisely to the nearest grid intersection point
Layer Ordering for Overlapping Elements
Given multiple overlapping elements on the canvas When the user sends an element forward or backward Then the element's z-order updates accordingly, and the canvas reflects the new layering order
Editing Text on the Canvas
Given the user adds a text box to the canvas When the user double-clicks the text box and edits the text content and font settings Then the updated text and style are saved and displayed on the canvas in real time
Predefined Template Library
"As a team leader, I want access to a library of predefined badge templates so that I can accelerate the creation of consistent, high-quality badges."
Description

Offer a curated collection of badge templates categorized by achievement types, including onboarding, performance, and tenure. Templates serve as starting points, accelerating badge creation and ensuring design consistency across teams. Users can filter templates by style or occasion, preview variations, and apply them directly to their custom designs.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter Templates by Category
Given the user is on the Predefined Template Library page, When the user selects an achievement type filter (e.g., onboarding, performance, tenure), Then only templates matching that category are displayed within 2 seconds and templates outside the category are hidden.
Search Templates by Style or Occasion
Given the user enters a style or occasion keyword in the library search bar, When the user submits the search, Then templates tagged with the matching style or occasion appear in the results, and non-matching templates remain hidden.
Preview Template Variations
Given the user hovers over or clicks the preview icon on a template thumbnail, When the action is performed, Then a larger view displays all color and layout variations of that template within the interface without navigating away from the library.
Apply Template to Badge Design
Given the user selects a template and clicks the “Apply Template” button, When the user confirms the selection, Then the template is loaded into the badge builder with all placeholder elements mapped correctly for editing.
Ensure Template Design Consistency
Given multiple users apply the same template across different sessions, When each user opens the applied template, Then the template’s design elements (icons, colors, layout) remain identical and unchanged.
Custom Icon Upload
"As a team manager, I want to upload custom icons and graphics so that I can include branded imagery in our badges."
Description

Allow users to upload their own icons and graphics in common formats (SVG, PNG), automatically optimizing and storing assets in the user's personal library. Uploaded icons can be resized, recolored, and layered within the badge builder. This feature enables organizations to incorporate branded or event-specific imagery into custom badges.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful Upload of a Supported SVG Icon
Given the user selects an SVG file under 2MB and clicks upload, When the system receives the file, Then the file is validated, optimized, and appears in the user's icon library with correct preview
Handling Unsupported File Format
Given the user selects a BMP file and clicks upload, When the system processes the file, Then the system rejects the upload and displays an error message stating unsupported format
Resizing and Recoloring an Uploaded Icon
Given the user selects an uploaded PNG icon in the badge builder, When the user applies resizing or recoloring transformations, Then the icon adjusts size and color on the canvas without loss of quality and updates in the library preview
Layering Multiple Uploaded Icons
Given the user drags two or more uploaded icons onto the badge canvas, When the user arranges icon layers and commits changes, Then the icons are properly layered and render in the correct order within the final badge design
Persistent Storage of Uploaded Icons
Given the user uploads an icon, When the user logs out and logs back in, Then the previously uploaded icon remains available in the personal library
Color Palette Selection
"As a user, I want to choose and save color palettes so that badge designs match our team’s brand identity."
Description

Integrate a color picker and preset palette options that let users select brand-aligned or custom colors for badge elements. Support hex code input and color harmony suggestions. Palettes are saved at the team level, ensuring color consistency across multiple badge designs and aligning with overall brand identity.

Acceptance Criteria
Selecting a Preset Brand Color
Given a user opens the color palette interface When they choose a preset brand color from the palette options Then the selected color is applied to the targeted badge element in real time And the displayed hex code matches the preset brand color exactly
Entering a Custom Hex Color Code
Given the user switches to hex code input mode When they enter a valid hex color code and confirm Then the color picker updates to reflect the inputted code And the badge preview changes to the new custom color
Applying Color Harmony Suggestions
Given a base color is selected When the user requests color harmony suggestions Then the system displays at least three complementary or analogous colors And each suggested color can be applied to badge elements with a single click
Saving a Team-Level Palette
When a user saves a custom palette Then the palette is added to the team's palette library And all team members can view and select that palette in their badge builder
Persisting Palette Across Badge Designs
Given a team-level palette exists When any user creates a new badge Then the saved team palette is preloaded as the default palette And all colors from it can be applied immediately
Handling Invalid Hex Code Input
Given the user inputs an invalid hex code format When they attempt to confirm the input Then the system displays an inline error message And the apply/save action remains disabled until a valid code is entered
Badge Preview and Export
"As a user, I want to preview and export badges in various formats so that I can use them across digital and print channels seamlessly."
Description

Provide a real-time preview pane showing the final badge at various resolutions and backgrounds. Include export options for PNG, SVG, and PDF formats, with configurable dimensions and transparent backgrounds. This capability ensures that badges can be shared across digital channels or printed for physical displays without additional formatting.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time multi-resolution badge preview
Given the user customizes a badge, When selecting a resolution preset (16×16, 32×32, 128×128), Then the preview pane updates instantly to display the badge at the selected resolution without visual distortion or delay.
Dynamic background rendering in preview
Given the user toggles background options, When switching between transparent, light, and dark backgrounds, Then the preview updates accordingly and maintains correct badge visibility and contrast.
PNG export with configurable dimensions and transparency
Given the user selects PNG export with custom width, height, and transparency settings, When the export completes, Then the downloaded file is a valid PNG matching the specified dimensions and preserves transparency where expected.
SVG export preserves vector fidelity
Given the user exports a badge as SVG, When opening the exported file in a vector graphics editor, Then all shapes and text are editable vector elements without embedded raster images.
PDF export with accurate layout and scalable graphics
Given the user exports a badge as PDF, When viewing the PDF at varying zoom levels, Then the badge graphics remain crisp, scalable, and the layout matches the preview pane exactly.
Team Collaboration
"As a team member, I want collaborative editing and version history so that we can co-create badges and maintain a record of changes."
Description

Enable multiple users to collaborate on badge designs through comments, version history, and shared asset libraries. Team members can invite collaborators, assign editing permissions, and track changes. Collaboration features foster collective creativity, improve design quality, and streamline approvals within distributed teams.

Acceptance Criteria
Inviting Collaborators to a Badge Design
Given a designer with invitation permissions and an existing badge design, When the designer enters one or more valid collaborator email addresses and submits the invitations, Then the system sends invitation emails to each address and displays the collaborators with 'Pending' status in the collaborator list; Given invalid or duplicate email addresses, When the designer submits the invitations, Then the system rejects the invalid entries with an appropriate error message and only sends invitations to valid new collaborators.
Assigning and Enforcing Editing Permissions
Given a project owner or admin, When the admin assigns 'Editor' or 'Viewer' roles to collaborators, Then the system enforces role-based access so Editors can modify badge designs and Viewers can only view and comment; Given a user attempts to perform an unauthorized action based on their role, Then the system displays a 'Permission Denied' message and prevents the action.
Adding and Resolving Comments
Given multiple collaborators on a badge design, When any collaborator adds a comment on a specific element, Then the comment appears in the design's comment thread with author and timestamp and notifications are sent to other collaborators; When a collaborator marks a comment as 'Resolved', Then the comment is visually marked resolved and notifications are sent confirming resolution.
Accessing Version History and Reverting Changes
Given a badge design with at least one saved version, When a collaborator opens the version history panel, Then all versions are listed chronologically with timestamp and author; When a collaborator selects a previous version and clicks 'Restore', Then the design reverts to the selected version and a new version entry is created reflecting the restoration action.
Accessing and Utilizing Shared Asset Library
Given a shared asset library exists, When a collaborator browses or filters assets by type or tag and selects an asset, Then the asset is added to the current badge design canvas; When a collaborator uploads a new asset, Then the asset is stored in the shared library, assigned metadata tags, and becomes immediately available for all collaborators.

Theme Bundles

Offer curated badge collections grouped by themes—such as innovation, teamwork, or wellness—available at a bundled points discount. Theme Bundles simplify discovery, encourage bulk recognition, and inspire creative ways to reward multiple accomplishments at once.

Requirements

Theme Bundle Catalog Interface
"As a manager, I want to browse curated theme bundles so that I can quickly choose and award multiple badges aligned to a specific theme."
Description

Provide a dedicated interface within the app where users can browse curated badge collections grouped by themes. The catalog should display theme names, descriptions, included badges with images, and discounted point costs. It must integrate seamlessly with existing UI navigation, support filtering and search by theme category, and ensure a responsive design across desktop and mobile.

Acceptance Criteria
Browsing Theme Bundles Catalog
Given the user navigates to the Theme Bundles section, when the catalog loads, then each bundle displays its name, description, included badges with images, and discounted point cost.
Filtering Bundles by Theme Category
Given the user selects a theme category filter, when they apply the filter, then only bundles belonging to the chosen categories are displayed.
Searching Bundles by Keyword
Given the user enters a search term in the catalog search bar, when the search is submitted, then bundles whose names or descriptions contain the term are shown.
Viewing Bundle Details
Given the user clicks on a theme bundle entry, when the detail view opens, then all included badges, their images, descriptions, original point costs, and discounted bundle cost are correctly displayed.
Catalog Responsiveness on Mobile
Given the user accesses the catalog on a mobile device, when the page renders, then the layout adapts without horizontal scrolling, images resize appropriately, and navigation remains fully functional.
Bulk Points Discount Engine
"As a user, I want bulk points discounts applied automatically when selecting a theme bundle so that I can maximize the value of my available points."
Description

Implement a dynamic engine that calculates and applies bulk points discounts for theme bundles. The engine should support configurable discount rates per bundle, reflect total and discounted point costs in real time, validate user eligibility and available point balances, and ensure accurate deduction during redemption. Integrate with the existing points management system and include error handling for insufficient points.

Acceptance Criteria
Applying a 10% Discount for the Wellness Bundle
Given a theme bundle with 10 badges totaling 1000 points and a 10% discount configured, When a user with at least 900 points selects and confirms the bundle redemption, Then the system deducts exactly 900 points and awards all 10 badges to the user.
Real-time Cost Update During Bundle Selection
Given a user is viewing the theme bundles selection page, When the user selects any bundle, Then the UI immediately displays the original total points, the configured discount rate, and the discounted total, all matching the backend configuration.
Preventing Redemption with Insufficient Points
Given a user’s point balance is below the discounted total cost of a selected bundle, When the user attempts to confirm redemption, Then the redemption button is disabled and an error message indicating insufficient points is displayed.
Configuring Discount Rates in the Admin Panel
Given an admin accesses the bundle configuration page, When the admin sets a discount rate for a theme bundle and saves changes, Then the new rate is persisted, reflected in the bundle details, and used in all subsequent cost calculations.
Error Handling on Points Deduction Failure
Given a failure occurs in the points deduction service during bundle redemption, When the system detects the error, Then the redemption transaction is rolled back, no points or badges are applied, and an appropriate error notification is shown to the user.
Bundle Preview and Customization
"As a manager, I want to preview and customize a theme bundle so that I can tailor the recognition badges to my team’s specific achievements."
Description

Enable users to preview the contents of a theme bundle before purchase, displaying individual badge images, names, and descriptions. Allow limited customization by selecting or deselecting specific badges within the bundle while maintaining minimum item rules. Adjust and display the overall point cost immediately based on user selections.

Acceptance Criteria
Preview Theme Bundle Contents
Given a user opens the preview modal for a theme bundle, when the bundle is loaded, then all badge images, names, and descriptions are displayed in a scrollable list matching the bundle’s definition.
Customize Bundle by Deselecting Badges
Given a user selects the 'Customize' option, when they deselect one or more badges, then the deselected badges are removed from the selection and the remaining badges are visibly marked as active.
Enforce Minimum Badge Selection
Given a user attempts to deselect badges below the bundle’s minimum allowed count, when they click to remove the last permissible badge, then an inline error message is shown and the action is prevented.
Real-time Point Cost Update
Given a user selects or deselects badges within the bundle, when any change is made, then the total point cost displayed updates immediately to reflect the current selection.
Cancel Customization Restores Original Bundle
Given a user is customizing a bundle and clicks the 'Cancel' button, when the customization modal closes, then the bundle selection and total point cost revert to the original pre-customized state.
Seamless Bundle Redemption Workflow
"As a remote manager, I want a seamless workflow to redeem a theme bundle so that I can efficiently recognize my team without confusion or delay."
Description

Design and implement a streamlined redemption workflow that guides users from bundle selection through confirmation and award delivery. Include clear success and error states, confirmation dialogs, and integrate with notification systems to inform recipients. Ensure the workflow respects user permissions, records redemption events, and updates team activity feeds accordingly.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful Bundle Redemption by Authorized User
Given a user with sufficient points and permissions, When they select a theme bundle and confirm redemption, Then the system deducts the correct number of points, records the redemption event in the database, updates the team activity feed with bundle details, and sends a notification to the recipient.
Unauthorized Bundle Redemption Attempt
Given a user lacking redemption permissions or insufficient points, When they attempt to redeem a theme bundle, Then the system displays an appropriate error message, disables the confirm button, and prevents any points deduction or event recording.
Redemption Workflow Network Failure Handling
Given an intermittent network or server error during redemption, When the user confirms the bundle redemption, Then the system displays an error state with retry and cancel options, and ensures no partial deduction or event recording occurs.
Redemption Confirmation Updates Activity Feed
Given a successful bundle redemption, When the confirmation dialog is acknowledged, Then the system immediately posts a formatted entry to the team activity feed showing bundle name, issuer, recipients, and timestamp.
Redemption Cancellation by User
Given the user opens the confirmation dialog for bundle redemption, When they click cancel, Then the dialog closes, no points are deducted, no events are recorded, and the user is returned to the bundle selection screen.
Administrative Bundle Management
"As an administrator, I want to manage theme bundles so that I can keep catalog offerings up to date with relevant themes and badges."
Description

Provide an admin interface allowing product administrators to create, update, and retire theme bundles. Include form components for bundle name, theme category, badge list selection, discount rate, description, and effective dates. Implement validation rules, preview capabilities, and ensure changes propagate to the live catalog without downtime.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Theme Bundle
Given the administrator navigates to the Theme Bundles management page When they click “Create Bundle,” fill in a unique bundle name, select a theme category, choose at least one badge, set a valid discount rate (1–100%) and effective start/end dates, optionally add a description, then click “Save” Then the system persists the new bundle, displays it in the active bundles list with accurate details, and makes it available in the live catalog without downtime.
Validating Required Fields in Bundle Form
Given the administrator is on the Create or Edit Bundle form When they attempt to save without providing a bundle name, theme category, badge selection, discount rate, or valid date range Then the system displays inline validation messages for each missing or invalid field, prevents form submission, and highlights the fields requiring correction.
Previewing a Theme Bundle Before Publishing
Given the administrator has filled in all required bundle fields correctly When they click “Preview Bundle” Then a modal displays a read-only preview showing bundle name, theme category, badge icons, discount rate, description, and effective dates exactly as they will appear in the live catalog.
Updating an Existing Theme Bundle
Given the administrator selects an existing active bundle and clicks “Edit” When they modify any bundle attribute (name, category, badges, discount rate, description, or dates) and click “Save Changes” Then the system updates the bundle record, reflects changes immediately in the active bundles list, and updates the live catalog without downtime.
Retiring a Theme Bundle
Given the administrator selects an active bundle and clicks “Retire” When they confirm the retirement action Then the system marks the bundle as retired, removes it from the live catalog, archives its details for audit, and displays it under the retired bundles section.
Analytics and Usage Tracking
"As a product manager, I want usage analytics for theme bundles so that I can understand adoption patterns and optimize offerings."
Description

Integrate analytics to track theme bundle engagement metrics, including bundle views, selections, purchases, redemption rates, and points spent. Provide dashboard widgets and exportable reports. Use this data to identify popular themes, measure return on investment, and inform future bundle curation strategies.

Acceptance Criteria
Dashboard Widget Displays Bundle Views
Given an admin user on the analytics dashboard When the page loads Then the ‘Bundle Views’ widget displays the total number of views for each theme bundle in the last 7 days with data accuracy within 5% and loads within 2 seconds
Selection and Purchase Tracking
Given a team member selects and confirms a theme bundle purchase When the purchase is completed Then the system logs an event including bundle ID, user ID, points spent, and timestamp in the analytics database
Redemption Rate Calculation
Given analytics data for purchased and redeemed bundles When generating metrics for a selected date range Then the system calculates redemption rate as (number of redeemed bundles ÷ number of purchased bundles) × 100 and displays the percentage to two decimal places
Exportable CSV Report Generation
Given an admin requests a report export for a date range When the export button is clicked Then the system generates and downloads a CSV file containing columns for bundle ID, bundle name, views, selections, purchases, redemptions, and points spent
Popular Theme Identification
Given analytics data for the past month When the daily metrics update runs Then the system identifies and highlights the top three theme bundles by purchase count on the dashboard

Flash Drops

Roll out exclusive, time-limited badge releases announced via in-app notifications. Flash Drops create excitement and urgency, motivating participants to stay engaged daily and earn points quickly to secure rare, collectible badges.

Requirements

Flash Drop Configuration Dashboard
"As a remote team manager, I want to configure time-limited badge releases so that I can engage my team with exciting flash drops tailored to our schedule."
Description

Develop an intuitive administrative dashboard where managers can create, schedule, and customize flash drop events. The dashboard should allow setting start and end times, defining badge names and designs, assigning rarity tiers, specifying badge quantities, and configuring associated notification triggers. This interface will integrate with the existing TeamSpark admin tools, providing streamlined workflows for event creation and ensuring that all flash drop parameters are validated before deployment. Expected outcomes include reduced setup time, consistent event execution, and increased manager engagement in curating exciting challenges.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Flash Drop Event
Given the admin completes all required fields and clicks ‘Create Flash Drop’, when the creation process finishes, then the new event appears in the dashboard list with correct name, times, and badge settings.
Scheduling and Time Validation
Given the admin enters a start time that is after the end time, when they attempt to save, then the system displays a validation error and prevents saving until corrected.
Customizing Badge Attributes
Given the admin uploads a badge design file, assigns a name, rarity tier, and quantity, when they preview the badge, then the preview reflects the correct design, name, tier color coding, and enforces the maximum quantity limit.
Setting Notification Triggers
Given the admin configures notification triggers for flash drop start and end, when the flash drop start time is reached, then a push notification is sent to all eligible users.
Validating Parameter Constraints Before Deployment
Given the admin has configured all parameters, when they click ‘Validate Parameters’, then the system verifies all fields are complete and within allowed ranges and displays a success message if valid or specific error messages if not.
Scheduled In-App Notifications
"As a team member, I want to receive timely in-app notifications for flash drops so that I never miss limited-time badge opportunities."
Description

Implement a notification system that automatically sends in-app alerts at key stages of each flash drop event: launch announcement, mid-event reminder, and final countdown alert. Notifications should include engaging visuals and clear calls-to-action, link directly to the flash drop page, and respect user notification preferences. Integration with the existing push infrastructure ensures reliable delivery across web and mobile clients. This will drive timely user participation, increase daily active engagement, and minimize missed opportunities for earning rare badges.

Acceptance Criteria
Flash Drop Launch Notification Delivery
Given a new flash drop event is scheduled, when the launch time is reached, then all users with in-app notifications enabled receive the launch announcement notification within 2 minutes, including the event title, engaging visual, and a clickable link to the flash drop page.
Flash Drop Mid-Event Reminder Notification
Given a flash drop event has been live for half of its duration, when the mid-event timestamp is reached, then all users with in-app notifications enabled receive a reminder notification within 2 minutes, featuring the badge preview, remaining time, and direct link to participate.
Flash Drop Final Countdown Notification
Given a flash drop event is in its final hour, when the remaining time drops to 60 minutes, then all users with in-app notifications enabled receive a final countdown alert within 2 minutes, displaying a clear call-to-action and link to the event page.
Notification Preference Compliance
Given a user has disabled in-app notifications, when any flash drop notification is triggered, then the system does not deliver the notification and logs the user’s preference to confirm compliance.
Cross-Platform Notification Consistency
Given a flash drop notification is triggered, when received on web and mobile clients, then the notification renders with consistent visuals, text format, and a functional link on both platforms within 2 minutes of trigger.
Time-Limited Badge Release Engine
"As a participant, I want badges to be available only during the flash drop window so that the challenge feels exclusive and urgent."
Description

Build a backend engine responsible for enforcing flash drop windows, controlling badge availability strictly between configured start and end times, and powering a real-time countdown timer visible to users. The engine must handle concurrent access, avoid over-issuance by validating inventory counts at request time, and seamlessly integrate with the points system to immediately award badges upon threshold completion. This ensures fairness, prevents race conditions, and maintains excitement through precise time-bound mechanics.

Acceptance Criteria
Badge Availability Enforcement Window
Given a configured flash drop with start time T_start and end time T_end, when a user requests a badge at time T_request, then the engine must grant access only if T_start ≤ T_request < T_end, and reject requests outside this interval with an "Unavailable" response.
Real-Time Countdown Timer Display
Given an active flash drop session, when a user views the flash drop page, then the UI must display a live countdown timer updating every second showing time remaining until T_end, matching the backend's authoritative clock within ±1 second.
Concurrency and Inventory Validation
Given multiple simultaneous badge claim requests, when the available badge inventory count is N, then the engine must process requests atomically to ensure no more than N badges are issued, returning a "Sold Out" status immediately when inventory reaches zero.
Immediate Badge Award Upon Threshold
Given a user reaches the required points threshold during an active flash drop, when the threshold condition is met, then the engine must instantly award the badge and update the user's badge inventory without manual intervention, reflecting in both backend and UI within 2 seconds.
Notification Trigger at Release and Close
Given flash drop start and end events, when T_start is reached, then an in-app "Flash Drop Started" notification must be broadcast to all active users; when T_end is reached, then an in-app "Flash Drop Closed" notification must be broadcast, both delivered within 5 seconds of the event.
Badge Rarity and Inventory Management
"As a gamification architect, I want to assign rarity levels and limited quantities to badges so that flash drops remain exclusive and collectible."
Description

Design a module for defining badge rarity tiers (e.g., Common, Rare, Epic), assigning drop quantities to each tier, and tracking issuance in real time. The system should update inventory counts as badges are earned, disable further claims when a tier sells out, and provide reporting interfaces for managers to review distribution metrics. By integrating with the admin dashboard and release engine, this module preserves the exclusivity of rare badges and offers insights into event performance.

Acceptance Criteria
Defining Badge Rarity Tiers
Given an admin opens the badge configuration panel When they create or edit a badge Then they must be able to select from predefined rarity options (Common, Rare, Epic) and save successfully
Assigning Drop Quantities
Given an admin schedules a Flash Drop release When they specify drop quantities for each rarity tier Then the system reserves the exact number of badges and displays remaining counts in the dashboard
Real-Time Inventory Tracking
Given users claim badges during a Flash Drop When a badge is earned Then the inventory count for that rarity tier updates on the live interface within two seconds
Badge Claim Prevention After Sell-Out
Given a rarity tier has reached zero available badges When a user attempts to claim additional badges Then the system disables the claim button and shows a 'Sold Out' message
Distribution Metrics Reporting
Given a manager views the admin dashboard When the Flash Drop ends Then the report shows total badges issued per rarity tier, percentage sold, and timestamps for sell-out events
Real-Time Points Tracking Integration
"As a participant, I want to see my points update in real time during flash drops so that I know how close I am to earning a badge."
Description

Extend the existing points system to provide live updates on users’ progress toward flash drop badge thresholds. Hooks should capture relevant user actions, recalculate point totals instantaneously, and reflect changes in the user interface without page reloads. Integration with leaderboards will showcase top performers during the event, fostering competitive spirit. This real-time feedback loop enhances motivation, encourages continued participation, and drives point-earning behaviors.

Acceptance Criteria
Live Badge Threshold Progress Visualization
Given the user has opened the flash drop progress view, When their point total changes, Then the badge progress bar updates in real time to reflect the new points and percentage toward the badge threshold without a page reload.
Instant Point Increment on Task Completion
Given the user completes a qualifying flash drop action, When the action hook triggers, Then the user's point total increases immediately and the updated total is visible in the in-app points counter.
Leaderboard Real-Time Update During Flash Drop
Given multiple participants are earning points simultaneously, When any user's point total is updated, Then the leaderboard reorders live within 2 seconds to reflect the new rankings.
UI Reflects Rapid Successive Actions Without Reload
Given the user performs multiple qualifying actions in quick succession, When each action is recorded, Then the UI sequentially updates the point total after each action without requiring a manual refresh and without lag.
Error Handling for Point Calculation Failures
Given the point calculation service experiences an error, When a calculation failure occurs, Then the UI displays a non-intrusive error message, retains the user's previous point total, and automatically retries the calculation until successful.
User Badge Showcase
"As a user, I want to view and share my collected flash drop badges in my profile so that I can celebrate and showcase my achievements."
Description

Create a dedicated section within user profiles to display collected flash drop badges, highlighting rarity and drop date. Include interactive elements such as hover-to-view badge details, filters for sorting by rarity or date, and social sharing buttons for external platforms. This showcase will tie into the existing achievements module, emphasizing user accomplishments and encouraging peer recognition. The expected outcome is increased user pride and organic promotion of TeamSpark through shared badge collections.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Collected Flash Drop Badges
Given the user has earned flash drop badges When they open their profile’s badge showcase Then all collected flash drop badges are displayed with correct images, names, rarity levels, and drop dates shown
Filtering Badges by Rarity and Date
Given the user views the badge showcase When they select a rarity filter or date-range filter Then only badges matching the selected rarity or date criteria are displayed
Hovering for Detailed Badge Information
Given the user’s cursor hovers over a badge thumbnail When the hover action persists for at least 500ms Then a tooltip appears showing detailed badge information including description, rarity, and drop context
Sorting Badges Chronologically and by Rarity
Given multiple badges in the showcase When the user chooses to sort by drop date ascending/descending or by rarity Then the badges reorder correctly according to the selected sort option
Sharing Badges on External Social Platforms
Given the user opts to share a badge When they click the social sharing button for the badge Then a share dialog opens prefilled with badge image, name, and link to the user’s profile for supported external platforms

Peer Picks

Allow users to recommend badges they find meaningful or aspirational to their colleagues. Peer Picks fosters a culture of recognition by highlighting popular badges, enabling curated peer-to-peer suggestions, and driving deeper engagement through social proof.

Requirements

Badge Recommendation Interface
"As a team member, I want to easily recommend badges to my colleagues so that I can recognize their contributions and encourage positive peer engagement."
Description

Develop an intuitive interface within the Peer Picks feature that allows users to browse, select, and recommend meaningful badges to their colleagues. The interface should seamlessly integrate with existing badge management workflows, presenting badges with clear visuals and contextual information to help users make informed recommendations. It should support searching, filtering by category or popularity, and easy selection, ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience that drives peer-to-peer recognition.

Acceptance Criteria
Browsing Badge Library
Given the user navigates to the Badge Recommendation Interface, when the interface loads, then the system displays at least 20 badges with images, names, and short descriptions sorted by popularity by default.
Searching and Filtering Badges
Given the user enters a keyword in the search bar, when they submit the search, then the system filters and displays only badges whose name or description contains the keyword; and given the user applies category or popularity filters, when filters are applied, then the badge list updates to reflect the selected criteria.
Viewing Badge Details
Given the user selects a badge from the list, when they click on it, then a detail view opens displaying the badge image, full description, criteria for earning, and recent usage statistics.
Selecting and Recommending a Badge
Given the user is viewing a badge detail, when they click the 'Recommend' button and choose one or more colleagues via the autocomplete field, then the 'Send Recommendation' button is enabled and ready for submission.
Recommendation Confirmation Notification
Given the user submits a badge recommendation, when the system processes the request, then the user sees a confirmation message and the recommended badge appears in the colleague's notification feed within 5 seconds.
Badge Suggestion Notifications
"As a user, I want to receive notifications when a colleague recommends a badge for me so that I can promptly acknowledge their suggestion and participate in the recognition process."
Description

Implement a notification system that alerts users when they receive a badge recommendation from a peer. Notifications should appear in-app and via optional email or push channels, providing details about the recommended badge, the recommending user, and a link to accept or view the recommendation. This ensures timely awareness and engagement with peer suggestions, reinforcing the culture of recognition.

Acceptance Criteria
In-App Notification Display
Given a user has received a peer badge recommendation, when they are logged into the TeamSpark app, then an in-app notification appears within 5 seconds showing the badge name, recommender's name, and a link to view or accept the recommendation.
Email Notification Delivery
Given a user has opted in to email notifications, when a peer recommends a badge, then an email is sent to the user's registered email address within 2 minutes containing the badge name, recommender's name, a brief message, and a link to view or accept the recommendation.
Push Notification Delivery
Given a user has enabled push notifications on their device, when a peer recommends a badge, then a push notification is received within 5 seconds displaying the badge name, recommender's name, and deep-linking into the app to the recommendation details.
Badge Recommendation Details View
Given a user clicks on any notification type for a badge recommendation, when the app navigates to the recommendation details page, then the page displays the badge image, badge name, recommender's profile, timestamp, and accept or dismiss buttons, and loads in under 2 seconds.
Recommendation Acceptance Flow
Given a user views the badge recommendation details, when they click the 'Accept' button, then the recommendation status changes to 'Accepted', the accepting user and recommender both receive confirmation notifications, and the badge is added to the user's earned badges list within 5 seconds.
Popular Badges Dashboard
"As a team member, I want to see which badges are most popular among my peers so that I can discover new ways to recognize others and align my own contributions with valued behaviors."
Description

Create a dashboard that displays trending and frequently recommended badges across the organization. The dashboard should showcase top badges, usage statistics, and peer engagement metrics, providing social proof and inspiration for users to participate. Integrate this view within TeamSpark’s analytics section to help managers and teams identify valued skills and behaviors.

Acceptance Criteria
Manager Views Trending Badges
Given a manager navigates to Analytics > Popular Badges Dashboard When the page loads Then the top 10 badges by recommendation count in the last 7 days are displayed in descending order with badge name, icon, and recommendation count visible
Team Member Filters Badges by Date Range
Given a user is on the Popular Badges Dashboard When the user selects a custom date range filter Then the dashboard refreshes to show badge statistics exclusively for the selected period with correct totals
Manager Exports Badge Engagement Data
Given a manager clicks the Export button on the dashboard When the manager selects CSV or PDF format Then a file is generated containing badge names, total recommendations, unique recommenders, and engagement percentages matching the current filters
Real-Time Updates of Badge Recommendations
Given the Popular Badges Dashboard is open When a new badge recommendation is submitted Then the dashboard updates the relevant badge count and ranking within 30 seconds without a full page reload
Badge Insights for Specific Team
Given a manager selects a team from the team dropdown When the team is selected Then the dashboard filters to display the top 5 badges recommended within that team and shows week-over-week percentage change for each badge
Peer Selection Filters
"As a user, I want to filter badge recommendations by category or popularity so that I can easily find the most appropriate badge for my colleague’s achievement."
Description

Add advanced filtering options to the badge recommendation interface, allowing users to filter badges by criteria such as category, popularity, difficulty, or past recipients. Filters should be intuitive and responsive, helping users quickly find relevant badges that align with specific recognition goals or team values.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter Badges by Category
Given the user is on the badge recommendation interface, when they select a specific category filter, then only badges tagged with that category are displayed within 200ms and the filter indicator is highlighted.
Sort Badges by Popularity
Given the user chooses to sort badges by popularity, when the sort option is applied, then badges are reordered in descending order of total endorsements and the first badge has the highest endorsement count.
Filter Badges by Difficulty Level
Given the user selects a difficulty level (e.g., Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), when applied, then only badges matching the selected difficulty are shown and the filter state persists across page reloads.
Exclude Already Awarded Badges
Given the user opts to exclude badges already awarded to a selected colleague, when the option is active, then the badge list omits any badges that the colleague has previously received.
Combine Multiple Filters
Given the user applies multiple filters (e.g., Category and Popularity), when both filters are active, then the resulting badge list only contains badges that satisfy all selected filter conditions and updates in real time.
Recommendation Analytics
"As a manager, I want to view analytics on peer badge recommendations so that I can assess recognition trends and measure team engagement to improve our culture."
Description

Build analytics tools to track recommendation metrics such as number of recommendations sent, acceptance rates, and top recommenders. Provide managers with reports and visualizations to measure engagement, identify recognition gaps, and inform team development initiatives. Ensure data can be exported for further analysis.

Acceptance Criteria
Monthly Recommendations Dashboard
Given a manager selects a month on the Recommendation Analytics dashboard, when the data loads, then the total number of badge recommendations sent for each day and badge type is displayed and matches the database within a 5% variance; chart renders within 2 seconds for up to 10,000 records.
Recommendation Acceptance Rate Monitoring
Given a manager views the acceptance rate panel and sets a date range, when the panel updates, then the percentage of accepted versus declined recommendations is displayed accurately and triggers an alert if the acceptance rate falls below 50% for the selected period.
Top Recommenders Identification
Given a manager requests the top recommenders report and applies date range and minimum threshold filters, when the report generates, then a ranked list of the top 10 users by number of recommendations sent is displayed in descending order with counts.
Recognition Gaps Analysis
Given a manager generates a recognition gap report and selects filters for department and time period, when the report is generated, then the list includes employees who have neither sent nor received any badge recommendations within the selected period.
Data Export Functionality
Given a manager clicks the export button on the analytics view and chooses CSV format, when the export completes, then a CSV file is downloaded containing recommendation ID, sender, receiver, badge type, status, and timestamp, and opens without errors in Excel.

Wishlist Hub

Provide each user with a personalized wishlist to bookmark desired badges. Wishlist Hub sends automated reminders when favorited badges are on sale, restocked, or part of special promotions, ensuring teammates never miss the perfect reward opportunity.

Requirements

Wishlist Creation and Management UI
"As a user, I want to add and organize badges in my wishlist so that I can keep track of my desired rewards."
Description

Enable users to create and manage personalized wishlists of badges. The interface allows adding, removing, and reordering badges with drag-and-drop, persists changes across sessions, and syncs data across devices to ensure a consistent experience.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding Badges to Wishlist
Given the user is viewing a badge detail page When the user clicks the “Add to Wishlist” button Then the selected badge is added to the user’s wishlist and appears at the bottom of the wishlist UI
Removing Badges from Wishlist
Given the user has badges in their wishlist When the user clicks the “Remove” icon on a wishlist item and confirms deletion Then the badge is removed from the wishlist and no longer displayed
Reordering Badges via Drag-and-Drop
Given the user has multiple badges in their wishlist When the user drags a badge to a new position within the wishlist Then the badge order updates immediately and persists upon page refresh
Persistence Across Sessions
Given the user adds or reorders badges in their wishlist during a session When the user logs out and logs back in later Then the wishlist maintains the exact badges and order from the previous session
Sync Across Devices
Given the user updates their wishlist on one device When the user opens the wishlist on a different device within 5 minutes Then the wishlist reflects all recent additions, removals, and reorder actions
Automated Wishlist Notifications
"As a user, I want to receive notifications when badges on my wishlist go on sale or restock so that I never miss a reward deal."
Description

Implement a notification service that monitors wishlist badges for status changes such as sales, restocks, or special promotions. Notifications are delivered via email, in-app, and push channels, ensuring timely alerts for users.

Acceptance Criteria
Sale Price Notification Trigger
Given a user has added a badge priced at $X to their wishlist, when the badge goes on sale with a reduced price, then the notification service sends an email, in-app, and push notification to the user within 5 minutes of the price change.
Restock Alert Delivery
Given a badge on the user’s wishlist is out of stock, when the badge is restocked, then the system automatically sends the user notifications via all preferred channels, and the restock timestamp in the user’s activity log is updated.
Special Promotion Reminder
Given a badge on the user’s wishlist is included in a special promotion campaign, when the promotion starts, then the service dispatches a detailed notification including promotion duration and discount terms to the user through email, in-app, and push channels.
Multi-channel Notification Consistency
Given an event triggers a wishlist badge notification, when notifications are dispatched, then the content (badge image, name, event type, and timestamp) is consistent and correctly formatted across email, in-app, and push notifications.
User Opt-out Management
Given a user opts out of a notification channel for wishlist updates, when the user changes notification preferences to disable that channel, then the service respects the preference and only sends notifications via the remaining enabled channels.
Promotion Integration Engine
"As a user, I want the system to automatically identify when my wishlist badges are part of special promotions so that I can take advantage of offers without manual checks."
Description

Build an engine that integrates with external and internal promotion APIs to detect when wishlist badges are included in any promotional campaigns. The engine cross-checks badges daily and flags promotions for notification triggers.

Acceptance Criteria
External API Promotion Detection
Given a user has badge "X" in their wishlist and the external promotion API returns a promotion including badge "X", when the Promotion Integration Engine processes the API response, then the system flags the promotion for notification.
Internal Promotion Cross-Check
Given an internal promotion campaign includes badge "Y", when the engine cross-checks the internal promotions feed against all users’ wishlists, then any users with badge "Y" bookmarked are identified and promotions are queued for notifications.
Daily Badge Promotion Flagging
Given the engine runs its daily check at 00:00 UTC, when both external and internal promotion sources are queried, then all promotions matching wishlisted badges are flagged before 00:15 UTC.
Wishlist Badge Notification Trigger
Given one or more promotions have been flagged for a user’s wishlist, when the notification scheduler executes, then each user receives a notification email or in-app alert listing the promoted wishlisted badges within one hour of flagging.
Promotion Change Update Handling
Given a previously flagged promotion is modified or removed, when the engine reprocesses the promotion feeds, then any outdated flags are cleared and users are notified of the change within two hours.
Badge Quick Preview Modal
"As a user, I want to view badge details from my wishlist in a quick preview modal so that I can make decisions without leaving the list."
Description

Develop a quick-preview modal accessible from the wishlist that displays badge images, descriptions, current price, availability, and upcoming sale predictions without navigating away from the wishlist page.

Acceptance Criteria
Opening Quick-Preview Modal
Given the user is on the Wishlist Hub page, When they click the 'Quick Preview' icon for a badge in their wishlist, Then a modal appears centered on the screen without navigating away, and it loads within 1 second.
Displaying Badge Information
Given the Quick-Preview modal is open, Then it displays the badge image, title, description, current price in the user's locale format, and availability status matching the latest backend data.
Real-Time Price and Availability Check
Given the Quick-Preview modal is open, When the server-side price or availability for the badge changes, Then the modal updates the displayed price and availability within 2 seconds without requiring a manual refresh.
Predictive Sale Notification Display
Given the badge has upcoming sales or restocks scheduled, Then the modal shows a prediction banner with the sale start date and expected discount percentage based on the algorithm provided.
Closing Modal Without Interrupting Wishlist Navigation
Given the Quick-Preview modal is open, When the user clicks the close button or outside the modal overlay, Then the modal closes and the user remains on the same wishlist page at the original scroll position within 0.5 seconds.
Wishlist Analytics Dashboard
"As a manager, I want analytics on my team's wishlist activity so that I can understand interest trends and plan badge restocks and promotions effectively."
Description

Provide managers with an analytics dashboard showing wishlist activity metrics such as total wishlists created, most-wished badges, notification engagement rates, and trends over time to inform purchasing and promotion strategies.

Acceptance Criteria
Total Wishlists Created Display
Given the manager selects a date range, when the dashboard loads, then it displays the total number of wishlists created within that range, matching the count in the database.
Most-Wished Badges Ranking
Given the manager views the badge rankings section, when the dashboard loads, then it lists the top 5 most-wished badges sorted in descending order by wishlist count, with counts matching database values.
Notification Engagement Rate Calculation
Given the manager views engagement metrics, when the dashboard loads, then it calculates and displays the notification open rate as (opened notifications / sent notifications) × 100%, rounded to two decimal places, matching backend calculations.
Trends Over Time Chart
Given the manager selects a time interval (daily, weekly, monthly), when the dashboard renders, then it displays a line chart of wishlist creations over that interval, with data points reflecting actual counts from the database.
Date Range Filter Functionality
Given the manager applies a custom date range filter, when the filter is submitted, then all dashboard metrics update within 2 seconds to reflect only data within the selected range.

Twist Trigger

Inject spontaneous plot twist prompts at random intervals during the relay, inspiring participants to pivot the narrative and spark unexpected creativity. Twist Trigger keeps the story fresh and challenges writers to adapt on the fly, enhancing engagement and imaginative collaboration.

Requirements

Twist Prompt Randomizer
"As a remote team member, I want random plot twist prompts at unpredictable times so that my creativity stays challenged and engaged throughout the relay."
Description

Implement a backend service that selects and injects plot twist prompts at unpredictable intervals during a relay session. The randomizer should pull from a catalog of prompts, ensure no immediate repeats, and adapt intervals within configurable boundaries. This component energizes participants by sustaining surprise and spontaneity throughout the collaborative storytelling experience.

Acceptance Criteria
Random Interval Injection
Given an active relay session with configurable min and max intervals set, when the service runs, then twist prompts are injected at randomized timestamps within the specified interval range for at least 95% of invocations.
No Immediate Prompt Repeats
When selecting a new twist prompt, the service never returns the same prompt ID as the one immediately preceding it during a single relay session.
Configurable Interval Boundaries Enforcement
Given interval boundaries are updated via configuration, when the service loads new settings, then all subsequent prompt injections occur only within the updated min and max intervals.
Prompt Catalog Retrieval and Validation
When the service initializes or refreshes its cache, then it successfully retrieves and validates all prompts from the catalog API, logging an error if any prompt metadata is missing or invalid.
Service Resilience and Recovery
Given a temporary failure when fetching or injecting a prompt, when the service encounters an error, then it retries up to three times with exponential backoff and logs any final failure without crashing the relay session.
Customizable Twist Catalog
"As a team manager, I want to manage and customize the list of twist prompts so that I can tailor challenges to my team’s interests and project themes."
Description

Develop an interface and storage system allowing team managers to create, edit, categorize, and remove twist prompts. The catalog should support import/export of prompt sets, tagging for theme-based selection, and version control. This ensures that twists remain relevant, diverse, and aligned with the team’s creative goals.

Acceptance Criteria
Import Prompt Set Scenario
Given a manager has a valid prompt set file When they upload the file via the import function Then all prompts are added to the catalog without errors and a confirmation message is displayed
Edit Existing Prompt Scenario
Given a manager selects an existing twist prompt When they update the prompt text or metadata and save changes Then the catalog reflects the updated prompt immediately and version history logs the change
Tag Prompt for Thematic Categorization Scenario
Given a manager applies one or more tags to a prompt When they save the tags Then the prompt appears under each corresponding theme filter and can be searched by tag
Remove Prompt with Version Control Scenario
Given a manager deletes a prompt from the catalog When the deletion is confirmed Then the prompt is moved to an archive state with a timestamp and can be restored from version history
Export Prompt Set Scenario
Given a manager selects prompts and initiates export When they choose export format (JSON or CSV) Then the system generates a downloadable file containing the selected prompts and metadata
Timing Configuration Interface
"As a team manager, I want to configure the timing parameters for twist prompts so that they appear at optimal moments without interrupting key collaboration phases."
Description

Offer a user-facing configuration panel where managers can define minimum and maximum time intervals for twist injections, choose timing patterns (e.g., strictly random vs. weighted randomness), and schedule active time windows. This ensures twists occur when they’re most beneficial and avoids disrupting critical focus periods.

Acceptance Criteria
Setting Minimum and Maximum Interval Bounds
Given the manager is on the timing configuration panel, when the manager enters valid values into the minimum and maximum time interval fields (e.g., 5 and 15 minutes), then the system saves the configured bounds and displays them in the configuration summary.
Selecting Timing Pattern Mode
Given the manager is in the timing pattern section, when the manager selects either 'Strictly Random' or 'Weighted Randomness', then the UI reflects the chosen mode, and the system applies it to subsequent twist injections.
Configuring Active Time Windows
Given the manager opens the schedule settings, when the manager defines a start and end time for active twist injections, then the system enforces twists only within this window and visually highlights the active period in the UI.
Validating Interval Inputs
Given the manager inputs a minimum interval greater than the maximum interval, when the manager attempts to save the configuration, then the system displays a clear error message and prevents saving until the input is corrected.
Resetting to Default Timing Settings
Given the manager clicks the 'Reset to Default' button, when the manager confirms the reset action, then all timing fields revert to the system defaults and a confirmation notification appears.
Real-Time Twist Delivery System
"As a participant, I want to receive twist prompts immediately and reliably so that I can adapt my contributions on the fly and stay fully engaged."
Description

Build a real-time notification mechanism to deliver twist prompts instantly to all participants. This includes chat message integration, in-app pop-ups, and optional email or Slack notifications. The system must handle high concurrency and ensure prompts are synchronized across all clients.

Acceptance Criteria
Instant Twist Prompt via Chat Integration
Given a twist trigger event occurs, when the server broadcasts the prompt via the chat API, then all connected participants should receive the chat message containing the twist prompt within 2 seconds and with accurate content.
Synchronized In-App Pop-up Notification
Given a twist trigger event occurs, when the in-app notification service is invoked, then all active users should see a pop-up with the twist prompt in the correct format within 1 second of the event.
Email Notification for Offline Participants
Given a participant is offline or inactive in the app, when a twist trigger occurs, then the system should send an email containing the twist prompt to the participant's registered email address within 5 minutes.
Slack Notification Delivery
Given a user has Slack integration enabled, when a twist trigger is fired, then the twist prompt should be posted to the configured Slack channel within 3 seconds, including correct title and a link to the story.
High Concurrency Handling Under Peak Load
Given the system experiences up to 1000 concurrent users, when multiple twist triggers occur simultaneously, then at least 99% of clients should receive the prompts within 3 seconds and error rate must remain below 1%.
Twist Impact Analytics
"As a product owner, I want to see analytics on twist prompt usage and team reactions so that I can evaluate the feature’s effectiveness and refine future challenges."
Description

Create analytics dashboards and reports that track the frequency of twist prompts, participant engagement rates post-twist, completion rates of twist-driven story segments, and sentiment feedback. Provide exportable metrics to help managers measure the creative and engagement impact of the feature.

Acceptance Criteria
Twist Prompt Frequency Display
Given the analytics dashboard is accessed, when data for the past 30 days of twist prompts is retrieved, then a bar chart must display the daily count of twist prompts with no missing days.
Post-Twist Engagement Rate Calculation
Given a twist prompt occurs, when participant submissions are tracked for one hour after the prompt, then the system computes and displays the engagement rate as the percentage of participants who contributed within that window.
Completion Rate of Twist-Driven Segments
Given a set of story segments initiated by twist prompts, when the story relay is completed, then the dashboard shows the completion rate as the ratio of completed segments to total twist prompts, formatted as a percentage.
Sentiment Feedback Analysis
Given user sentiment ratings are collected after each twist prompt, when feedback data is processed, then the system displays an overall sentiment score and a breakdown of positive, neutral, and negative responses.
Exportable Metrics Report Generation
Given a manager requests an export, when the export button is clicked, then a CSV file containing twist prompt frequency, engagement rates, completion rates, and sentiment scores is generated and downloaded within 10 seconds.
Localization Support for Twist Prompts
"As a non-English speaking user, I want twist prompts delivered in my preferred language so that I can fully understand and engage with the challenges."
Description

Enable multi-language support for twist prompts, including storage of localized prompt text, language selection per team or user, and fallback to default language if translations are missing. Ensure the UI can display and input characters from various locales.

Acceptance Criteria
Team Language Selection and Persistence
Given a team admin selects "Spanish" as the team language When any twist prompt is displayed to team members Then the prompt text appears in Spanish And the selection persists across sessions
User-level Language Override
Given a user overrides the team language to "French" When that user views a twist prompt Then the prompt text appears in French for that user only And other users remain on the team default language
Fallback to Default Language
Given a twist prompt lacks a translation in the selected language When the prompt is displayed Then the system shows the default (English) text instead And logs a missing translation warning
Localized Prompt Storage
Given translations for a twist prompt are uploaded in multiple languages When the prompt is saved Then each language version is stored with the correct locale identifier And can be retrieved independently by language
UI Rendering of Non-Latin Characters
Given a twist prompt contains Japanese and Arabic characters When the prompt renders in the UI Then all characters display correctly without garbled text or missing glyphs And input fields accept new non-Latin characters properly

Genre Glide

Allow teams to seamlessly switch between genres or writing styles mid-sprint—such as mystery, comedy, or sci-fi—with one click. Genre Glide broadens creative horizons, encourages experimentation, and ensures each Story Sprint session feels unique and exhilarating.

Requirements

Genre Selection Interface
"As a remote team member, I want to browse and choose writing genres through an interactive UI so that I can easily tailor my Story Sprint sessions to different creative styles."
Description

Create an intuitive UI element within the Story Sprint dashboard where users can browse and select different writing genres. It should support displaying genre icons, names, and descriptions, allowing users to visualize the genre before selecting. This interface must integrate seamlessly into the existing layout and adapt responsively across devices.

Acceptance Criteria
Browsing Genre Options on Desktop
Given the user is on the Story Sprint dashboard on a desktop device, when they click the genre selector, then a scrollable list of all available genres with distinct icons, names, and brief descriptions is displayed without horizontal scroll.
Browsing Genre Options on Mobile
Given the user accesses the Story Sprint dashboard on a mobile device, when they tap the genre selector, then a full-screen modal appears showing all genres with their icons, names, and descriptions in a vertically scrollable list.
Viewing Detailed Genre Description
Given the user hovers (desktop) or taps (mobile) on a genre icon within the selector, then an overlay or tooltip appears displaying the full genre description without obscuring other UI elements.
Selecting a Genre Applies Immediately
Given the list of genres is visible, when the user selects a genre by clicking or tapping its entry, then the Story Sprint session updates to reflect the chosen genre and confirms the selection with a visual highlight and success message.
Responsive Layout Adapts to Various Screen Sizes
Given the user adjusts the browser window or switches device orientation, then the genre selection interface rearranges icons, names, and descriptions appropriately, maintaining readability and accessibility at all breakpoints.
One-Click Genre Switch
"As a writer in a Story Sprint, I want to switch genres with one click so that I can experiment with new styles without interrupting my writing flow."
Description

Implement functionality that enables users to instantly switch the current session's genre with a single click, without losing session progress. The system must update prompts, color schemes, and any genre-specific settings on the fly, ensuring a seamless experience.

Acceptance Criteria
User Activates One-Click Genre Switch
Given a user is in an active Story Sprint session, When the user clicks the ‘Switch Genre’ button, Then the application changes the session’s genre to the selected genre instantly without a page reload.
Session Progress Persistence Post-Switch
Given a user has written text and set timers in the current session, When the genre switch is performed, Then all written content, timers, and session settings remain intact and accessible post-switch.
Dynamic UI Update for New Genre
Given the genre is switched, When the switch is completed, Then the UI updates color schemes, prompt themes, and relevant visual assets to match the new genre within two seconds.
Genre-Specific Settings Applied Seamlessly
Given a genre has unique settings (e.g., word count limit, theme prompts), When switching to that genre, Then the system applies those settings automatically without additional user input.
High-Latency Environment Genre Switch
Given the user is on a slow network (latency > 200ms), When the user initiates a genre switch, Then the system provides a loading indicator and completes the switch within five seconds, displaying an error message if it fails.
Genre Transition Animation
"As a creative participant, I want to see a visual cue when the genre changes so that I feel immersed in the new style and stay motivated."
Description

Design and develop a smooth transition animation or visual effect that plays when switching genres, reinforcing the change and enhancing user engagement. The effect should be lightweight, performant across devices, and customizable to match each genre's theme.

Acceptance Criteria
Switching from Mystery to Comedy Genre
Given the user is viewing the Mystery genre, when they click the 'Comedy' genre button, then a transition animation matching the Comedy theme starts within 0.5 seconds, runs smoothly at 6 fps, does not exceed 2 seconds, and applies Comedy theme colors and icons at completion.
Switching to Sci-Fi Genre on Mobile Device
Given the user is on a mobile device, when they switch to the Sci-Fi genre, then the transition animation loads in under 1 second, plays at 30 fps without lag, and its file size is 500 KB or less.
Customizing Animation for Fantasy Genre
Given the user updates the Fantasy genre animation settings, when they save the customization, then the preview immediately reflects the custom colors and icons, and the settings persist unchanged after a page reload.
Performance Under Low Bandwidth Conditions
Given the user has network speed ≤3G, when they trigger a genre switch, then the default animation loads and completes within 2 seconds; if network is too slow, the system falls back to a simplified fade animation.
User Prefers Reduced Motion Settings
Given the user's OS setting for reduced motion is enabled, when they switch genres, then the system skips the full animation and displays a 0.5-second crossfade transition instead.
Genre-Specific Prompt Templates
"As a remote team member, I want relevant writing prompts for each genre so that I'm inspired by appropriate thematic ideas during the session."
Description

Build a library of predefined writing prompt templates categorized by genre (e.g., mystery, comedy, sci-fi). When a genre is selected, the system should present relevant prompts and allow users to pick or randomize from the associated template set to spark creativity.

Acceptance Criteria
Genre Selection and Prompt Display
Given the user is on the prompt template library page When they select the 'Mystery' genre from the dropdown Then the system shall display at least 10 predefined 'Mystery' prompts And the prompts list header shall read 'Mystery Prompts'
Prompt Randomization within Selected Genre
Given the user has chosen the 'Sci-Fi' genre When they click the 'Randomize Prompt' button Then the system shall replace the current prompt with a randomly selected 'Sci-Fi' prompt from the library And no duplicate prompt should appear consecutively
Manual Prompt Selection from Genre Library
Given the user is browsing 'Comedy' genre prompts When they click on a specific prompt template Then the system shall populate the writing canvas with the selected prompt And the selected prompt shall be highlighted in the list
No Prompts Available for Chosen Genre
Given the user selects a newly added genre 'Fantasy' that currently has no templates When the genre selection is confirmed Then the system shall display a 'No prompts available' message with guidance to add new templates And the 'Randomize Prompt' and manual select options shall be disabled
Session Persistence of Last Selected Genre
Given the user selects the 'Horror' genre When they log out and log back in Then the system shall default to 'Horror' genre in the prompt library page And the last viewed prompt shall be visible
Session State Preservation
"As a user, I want my current session progress to be saved when I change genres so that I don't lose any work or team progress."
Description

Ensure that when a user switches genres mid-sprint, all session data—including current text, time elapsed, and team score—is preserved and merged seamlessly within the new genre context. The system should prevent any loss of data or progress during the transition.

Acceptance Criteria
Mid-Sprint Genre Switch by a Single User
Given a user is participating in an ongoing Story Sprint, when the user clicks the ‘Switch Genre’ button, then the current draft text, elapsed timer value, and team score are fully preserved and immediately displayed within the new genre context without any data loss or reset.
Simultaneous Multi-User Genre Switch
Given multiple team members are connected to the same sprint session, when each member individually triggers a genre switch, then each member’s current text, elapsed time, and individual contributions to the team score are preserved and updated correctly in the shared session, ensuring no conflicting state or score discrepancies.
Network Interruption During Genre Switch
Given a user initiates a genre switch and then experiences a network interruption, when the connection is restored, then the system automatically completes the genre transition and displays the preserved draft text, elapsed time, and team score without requiring the user to repeat any actions or losing any data.
Switch Back to Previous Genre
Given a user has switched to a new genre mid-sprint, when the user clicks ‘Revert to Previous Genre,’ then the system restores the exact draft text, elapsed timer, and team score from before the switch, presenting it seamlessly as if no interruption occurred.
Time Elapsed Continuity Across Genres
Given a sprint timer is running, when a genre switch occurs at any point, then the elapsed time continues counting without pause or reset and reflects accurately in the timer display after the switch is complete.

Story Map

Generate a real-time visual diagram that maps each sentence as a node in the narrative flow. Story Map helps teams see the evolving plot structure at a glance, identify branching ideas, and maintain coherence as the story grows, fostering clarity and shared understanding.

Requirements

Sentence Node Generation
"As a remote team member, I want each sentence I write to appear as a node on the Story Map so that I can see how my contribution fits into the overall narrative structure in real time."
Description

Automatically create a visual node for each sentence entered in the narrative editor, capturing its text content and metadata, and integrating it into the Story Map’s data structure. This functionality ensures that every sentence becomes a discrete, addressable element in the map, enabling users to visualize the story flow at a glance and maintain alignment between the text and its graphical representation.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Sentence Node Creation Upon Entry
Given the user inputs a sentence into the narrative editor and presses Enter When the sentence is processed by the system Then a corresponding node is created in the Story Map containing the exact text content
Multiple Sentence Entries Maintain Order
Given the user enters multiple sentences in succession When each sentence is processed Then nodes appear in the Story Map in the same chronological order as entry
Metadata Association with Sentence Node
Given the user assigns metadata (e.g., speaker, timestamp) to a sentence When the node is generated Then the node’s properties include those metadata fields accurately
Real-Time Visualization Update
Given a new sentence node is created When the backend confirms node addition Then the Story Map UI updates immediately to display the new node without manual refresh
Persistence of Newly Created Nodes
Given a sentence node has been created and displayed When the user reloads the narrative editor or returns later Then the previously created node remains present in the Story Map with the same text and metadata
Auto Layout Algorithm
"As a project manager, I want the Story Map to automatically arrange nodes in a clear, logical layout so that I can quickly understand story progression without spending time on repositioning elements."
Description

Implement an automatic layout engine that organizes nodes spatially based on narrative sequence and branch relationships. By dynamically adjusting node positions, connectors, and spacing, the algorithm maintains readability and coherence as the story grows, reducing manual adjustments and helping teams focus on content rather than map maintenance.

Acceptance Criteria
New Node Auto-Placement
Given the user creates a new story node, When the node is submitted to the layout engine, Then the node should be placed adjacent to its narrative predecessor with a minimum 50px margin and without overlapping existing nodes.
Dynamic Adjustment on Relationship Change
Given the user modifies a node’s parent-child relationship, When the change is applied, Then the layout engine should reflow affected nodes within 2 seconds, preserving relative sequence and maintaining at least 50px spacing.
Scalability with High Node Count
Given a story map containing 100+ nodes, When layout is triggered, Then the engine must complete placement within 3 seconds, maintain readability (no overlaps), and ensure connector paths remain visible.
Branch Visualization Integrity
Given a node with multiple children, When the layout is rendered, Then branch lines should diverge with at least 30px separation and no branch lines cross unrelated connectors.
Real-Time Reflow on Zoom/Pan
Given the user zooms or pans the story map, When layout reflow is invoked, Then node positions should adjust within 1 second, preserving visual coherence and relative spacing.
Branch Visualization
"As a creative director, I want to see branching paths clearly highlighted so that I can evaluate different narrative directions and ensure consistency in each storyline variant."
Description

Highlight divergent narrative paths by visually distinguishing branches with color coding, grouping, and connector styling. This feature makes it easy to identify alternative plotlines and side stories, allowing teams to explore, compare, and refine branching ideas while preserving the coherence of the main storyline.

Acceptance Criteria
Identifying Alternative Plotlines
Given multiple narrative paths exist in the Story Map, when the user views the map, then each divergent path shall be visually distinguishable by a unique color and connector style.
Color Coding Divergent Branches
Given a path splits from the main storyline, when the split occurs, then the branch nodes and connectors shall automatically adopt a color from the predefined palette that differs from the parent path.
Grouping Side Stories
Given related side nodes are part of the same subplot, when the user toggles grouping, then those nodes must be enclosed within a collapsible visual group with a shaded background.
Styling Connectors Based on Branch Relationships
Given two nodes share a parent-child relationship, when displayed, then the connector between them shall use a distinct line style (e.g., dashed for alternate paths, solid for main) matching branch type.
Maintaining Main Storyline Coherence
Given multiple branches exist, when all side branches are collapsed, then the main storyline must display as a continuous linear path with no visual gaps or overlaps.
Collaborative Real-Time Sync
"As a remote team member, I want to see my colleagues’ edits to the Story Map in real time so that we can collaborate without version conflicts or delays."
Description

Enable multiple users to edit the Story Map simultaneously with live updates to nodes, connections, and annotations. This capability uses WebSocket-based synchronization to broadcast changes instantly, ensuring that all team members view the current state of the map and enabling seamless remote collaboration.

Acceptance Criteria
Simultaneous Node Creation by Multiple Users
Given user A and user B are viewing the same Story Map, when both users create a new node at the same time, then both nodes appear in each user's view within 500ms with unique identifiers and without overwrite.
Real-Time Update of Connections
Given a user modifies a connection between two nodes, when the change is saved, then all connected clients reflect the updated connection style and positioning within 300ms and visually highlight the update for recipients.
Concurrent Annotation Editing
Given two users edit the same annotation field concurrently, when their edits occur within a 2-second window, then the system automatically merges non-conflicting changes and prompts both users to resolve any direct text conflicts.
Late Join Synchronization
Given a user joins an ongoing real-time session, when they connect, then they receive the complete current state of the Story Map (including all nodes, connections, and annotations) within 1 second, matching the live session state.
Network Interruption and Recovery
Given a user experiences a temporary network loss, when they reconnect, then the system synchronizes any local offline changes, replays missed updates without data duplication or loss, and resolves conflicts according to the defined merge strategy.
Version Control & History
"As a storyteller, I want to access past versions of the Story Map so that I can restore or analyze previous narrative structures if needed."
Description

Maintain a chronological history of map changes, allowing users to review, compare, and revert to previous versions of the Story Map. Each version captures node additions, edits, and deletions, providing a complete audit trail and enabling teams to experiment with plot ideas without fear of losing prior work.

Acceptance Criteria
Access Version History
Given a user is on the Story Map page When the user opens the Version History panel Then a chronological list of all saved versions is displayed with timestamp, author, and brief change summary
View Version Details
Given a user selects a specific version in the history list When the user views version details Then all node additions, edits, and deletions are highlighted and the full change log is presented
Compare Two Versions
Given a user selects two versions from the history list When the user initiates a compare action Then the system displays a side-by-side diff view showing visual and textual differences between the selected versions
Revert to Previous Version
Given a user identifies a prior version that meets their needs When the user clicks the Revert button Then the Story Map is restored exactly to the selected version and a new version entry is created documenting the revert action
Export Change Log
Given a user needs an audit report When the user chooses to export the version history Then the system generates and downloads a CSV file containing all version metadata and change details within the specified date range
Export & Share
"As a product owner, I want to export the Story Map in different formats so that I can share it with stakeholders who don’t use TeamSpark."
Description

Provide functionality to export the Story Map as image (PNG/SVG) and interactive formats (JSON, PDF), with options for custom styling and layout. This requirement ensures that teams can easily share static snapshots or data files for presentations, reviews, and archiving, extending the usability of the map beyond the application.

Acceptance Criteria
Export as PNG with Default Layout
Given a user has a completed Story Map, When they select the export option and choose ‘PNG’ with default settings, Then the system generates and prompts download of a 1920×1080 PNG file reflecting the map’s current state within 3 seconds.
Export as SVG with Custom Style
Given a user adjusts export styling (node colors, font sizes, line widths) in the export dialog, When they select ‘SVG’ and confirm export, Then the downloaded SVG file accurately reflects all custom styles and remains fully scalable without distortion.
Export Interactive JSON for Data Sharing
Given a user chooses the ‘JSON’ export format, When they initiate export, Then the system generates and provides a JSON file containing all node IDs, text content, coordinates, and edge relationships, and confirms completion via a visible notification.
Export Multi-Page PDF for Large Maps
Given a Story Map spans beyond a single page view, When a user selects ‘PDF’ export and enables multi-page layout, Then the resulting PDF splits the map across pages in reading order, preserves node alignment, and maintains a minimum print resolution of 300 DPI.
Share Exported PDF via Email
Given a user has a generated PDF export, When they select ‘Share’ and enter one or more email addresses and click send, Then the system attaches the PDF to an email, sends it to all recipients, and displays a success message confirming delivery.

Character Capsule

Provide an integrated character profile tool where participants can create, store, and reference character details—names, traits, backstories—right within the sprint. Character Capsule guarantees consistency, deepens character development, and streamlines storytelling for more cohesive narratives.

Requirements

Character Profile Creation
"As a participant, I want to create a character profile with name, traits, and backstory so that I can maintain consistent character information throughout sprints."
Description

Enable users to define new character profiles by entering essential details such as name, distinctive traits, appearance, backstory, and role. The interface should guide users through structured fields, provide validation for required inputs, and allow optional multimedia attachments like images or audio. This functionality ensures contributors can quickly create rich, consistent character definitions that enhance storytelling and team engagement.

Acceptance Criteria
Create a new character profile with all required fields
Given a user has entered valid values into Name, Traits, Appearance, Backstory, and Role fields When the user clicks Save Then the system stores the profile and displays it in the character list
Validate required field error messages
Given a user leaves any required field blank When the user attempts to save Then the system highlights each missing field and displays an appropriate error message
Attach multimedia to character profile
Given a user uploads an image or audio file When the file format and size meet defined constraints Then the system attaches the file to the profile and displays a preview
Edit an existing character profile
Given a user selects an existing profile and modifies one or more fields When the user saves changes Then the system updates the stored profile and reflects updates in the profile view
Cancel profile creation process
Given a user initiates profile creation and enters data When the user clicks Cancel Then the system prompts to confirm cancellation and upon confirmation discards inputs without saving
Character Repository Storage
"As a participant, I want my character profiles to be saved in a central repository so that I can retrieve and reuse them in subsequent sprints."
Description

Implement a centralized storage system within TeamSpark that securely stores all character profiles created by participants. Profiles should persist across sessions and be accessible to authorized team members. The repository must support data integrity, backup, and role-based access control to ensure consistency and security, allowing characters to be retained for future reference and fostering continuity in narrative development.

Acceptance Criteria
Saving a New Character Profile
Given an authenticated user with create permission, when they submit a new character profile with valid name, traits, and backstory, then the profile is persisted in the repository and a confirmation message is returned.
Retrieving a Character Profile
Given an authorized team member, when they request an existing character profile by identifier, then the system returns the correct profile data within 2 seconds.
Updating an Existing Character Profile
Given an authenticated user with edit permission, when they update fields in an existing character profile and save, then the repository reflects the changes and logs the update timestamp.
Role-Based Access Enforcement
Given users with different roles, when they attempt to access character profiles, then only users with the appropriate role can create, edit, or delete profiles, and unauthorized access attempts are denied with a 403 error.
Backup and Restore Operations
Given the repository contains character profiles, when an automated backup is triggered or a restore is requested, then all profiles are backed up to secure storage and can be fully restored without data loss.
Profile Editing and Versioning
"As a participant, I want to edit and version my character profiles so that I can refine details and revert to earlier iterations if necessary."
Description

Allow users to update existing character profiles with new information or refinements. Implement version control to track changes, record timestamps, and preserve history, enabling users to revert to previous versions if needed. The editing interface should highlight changes and support collaborative editing with conflict resolution, ensuring character details remain accurate and adaptable over time.

Acceptance Criteria
Editing an Existing Character Profile
Given a user opens an existing character profile, when they modify any profile field and click save, then the system stores the updated information, creates a new version entry with an incremented version number and timestamp, and displays a confirmation message.
Viewing Profile Version History
Given a user accesses the version history tab for a character profile, then the system lists all previous versions in chronological order showing version numbers, timestamps, and the user who made the changes.
Reverting Profile to a Previous Version
Given a user selects a previous version from the history and confirms revert, then the system restores the profile to the selected version state, creates a new version entry to record the revert action, and notifies the user of successful restoration.
Highlighting Profile Changes in Edit Interface
Given a user enters the edit mode for a character profile, then the interface visually highlights fields that differ from the most recent saved version, indicating additions in green and removals in red.
Collaborative Editing Conflict Resolution
Given two users attempt to save conflicting changes to the same character profile concurrently, then the system detects the conflict, prevents automatic overwrite, and presents both versions side by side with options to merge manually or override.
Character Search and Filter
"As a participant, I want to search and filter character profiles by name, traits, or tags so that I can quickly find the right characters when building stories."
Description

Provide robust search and filtering capabilities within the Character Capsule. Users must be able to search by character name, traits, tags, creation date, or keywords in backstories. Filters should allow narrowing results by categories such as role or power level. The search functionality should deliver real-time suggestions and handle typos with fuzzy matching to ensure participants can quickly locate relevant characters in large repositories.

Acceptance Criteria
Search by Character Name
Given the Character Capsule is populated with characters When the user enters an exact character name into the search field Then the system displays only the character(s) matching that name within 200ms
Search by Traits and Tags
Given characters are tagged with traits and custom tags When the user selects one or more trait/tag filters Then the results list displays only characters containing all selected traits/tags
Filter by Role and Power Level
Given characters have defined roles and power levels When the user applies both role and power level filters Then the system returns characters matching both criteria in a single results list
Real-Time Suggestions
Given the user focuses the search input When each character is typed Then the system provides up to five matching name or trait suggestions in under 100ms
Fuzzy Matching for Typos
Given a user enters a misspelled character name When the search is executed Then the system returns relevant characters with names within an edit distance of 2 to the input
Search by Creation Date Range
Given characters have recorded creation dates When the user sets a start and end date Then only characters created within that date range are displayed
Sprint Integration and Linking
"As a remote manager, I want to link character profiles directly into sprint challenges so that the narrative feels cohesive and engaging for participants."
Description

Integrate the Character Capsule with daily gamified challenges and sprint sessions by enabling users to link or reference character profiles directly within challenge descriptions, chat messages, or reward screens. The integration should support one-click insertion of character cards into narratives and notifications, and track character usage metrics across sprints. This ensures seamless storytelling and context-rich challenges that enhance team engagement.

Acceptance Criteria
One-Click Character Card Insertion in Challenge Descriptions
Given a user is editing a challenge description, when the user clicks the "Insert Character" button and selects a character from the Character Capsule, then the character card with name, avatar, and primary traits is inserted at the cursor position with correct formatting and a hover tooltip preview.
Character Reference in Chat Messages
Given a user is in the team chat window, when the user types "@" and selects a character from the suggestions list, then the chat input populates a clickable character reference link that opens the full character profile modal upon click.
Character Card Display in Reward Screens
Given a user completes a challenge that references a character, when the reward screen is displayed, then the character card appears alongside the rewards section with proper styling, and clicking it navigates to the character’s profile.
Character Usage Metrics Tracking per Sprint
Given the sprint has ended, when the system generates sprint analytics, then it includes a chart showing the number of times each character was inserted or referenced in challenges, chat messages, and reward screens, with data export in CSV format.
Error Handling for Invalid Character References
Given a user attempts to insert or reference a character that has been deleted or does not exist, when the action is performed, then an inline error message displays "Character unavailable. Please select a valid character.", and the insert option is disabled.

Relay Replay

Offer a timed playback of the entire story-building session, highlighting each contributor’s sentence and the exact time it was added. Relay Replay enables teams to relive their creative journey, celebrate memorable moments, and review the narrative flow for edits or inspiration.

Requirements

Session Data Capture
"As a team member, I want each sentence I contribute to be recorded with its timestamp so that I can later see exactly when I added my part of the story."
Description

Capture each contributor’s sentence along with an exact timestamp in a structured session log. The system will chronologically record every addition during a story-building session, ensuring completeness and accuracy of data for later playback and analysis. This logging mechanism integrates seamlessly with existing challenge workflows, automatically initiating at session start and securely storing entries until replay generation.

Acceptance Criteria
Active Session Sentence Logging
Given a story-building session is active, when a contributor submits a sentence, then the system logs the sentence with the exact timestamp in the session log.
Automated Session Start Logging
Given a session start event occurs, when no manual input is provided, then the system automatically initializes the session log and begins capturing subsequent sentences.
Chronological Ordering of Entries
Given multiple sentences are logged, when retrieving the session log, then entries are ordered by their timestamps in ascending order without gaps or overlaps.
Secure Storage of Session Data
Given session log entries are created, when they are stored, then the data is securely saved to the database with access controls ensuring only authorized services can read or modify the entries.
Retrieval of Session Log for Replay
Given a completed session has ended, when a user requests a Relay Replay, then the system retrieves all logged sentences and timestamps and delivers a complete, ordered playback file without missing entries.
Interactive Replay Controls
"As a remote manager, I want to control the playback of our story session so that I can quickly revisit key moments or review the narrative flow at my own pace."
Description

Provide a playback interface with controls for play, pause, rewind, fast-forward, and timeline scrubbing. The interface will visually display the progression of the narrative, allow users to jump to specific moments, and adjust playback speed. Integration with the core UI ensures consistency in design and accessibility across devices, enabling intuitive session reviews.

Acceptance Criteria
Play and Pause Controls Accessibility
Given the replay interface is visible When the user clicks the Play button Then the narrative playback starts from the current timestamp without delay And the Play button changes to a Pause icon Given the narrative is playing When the user clicks the Pause button Then playback halts immediately and the playback position remains unchanged
Rewind and Fast-Forward Controls Precision
Given the narrative is playing or paused When the user clicks the Rewind button Then playback jumps back by 5 seconds incrementally Without skipping beyond the session start Given the narrative is playing or paused When the user clicks the Fast-Forward button Then playback jumps forward by 5 seconds incrementally Without skipping past the session end
Timeline Scrubbing Responsiveness
Given the user hovers over the timeline scrubber When the user drags the scrubber handle to a new position Then playback preview scrubs to the corresponding timestamp in real time Given the user releases the scrubber handle Then the narrative playback resumes from the selected timestamp
Playback Speed Adjustment
Given the replay interface is active When the user selects 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, or 2x speed from the speed control menu Then playback speed adjusts accordingly And the speed indicator updates to reflect the current rate
UI Consistency Across Devices
Given the user accesses the replay interface on desktop or mobile When the interface loads Then all controls (play, pause, rewind, fast-forward, speed selector, timeline) render correctly And are accessible via mouse, touch, or keyboard navigation
Contributor Spotlight Overlay
"As a creative team member, I want to see who wrote each line when I watch the replay so that I can recognize and celebrate my colleagues’ contributions."
Description

Overlay contributor names and profile avatars at the moment their sentences appear during playback. Each sentence segment will be visually tagged with the author’s identity and highlight color, facilitating recognition and celebration of individual contributions. This feature will integrate with user profiles to fetch avatars and names securely and in real time.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Overlay Display
Given playback reaches the timestamp of a contributor's sentence, when the sentence segment begins, then the overlay displays the correct contributor's name, avatar, and highlight color adjacent to the sentence segment.
Sequential Contributor Showcase
Given a story-building session with multiple contributors, when playback advances into each new sentence segment, then the overlay updates to show the corresponding contributor’s name, avatar, and highlight color without delay.
Overlay Update on Seek and Fast-Forward
Given the user seeks or fast-forwards playback to any timestamp within the session, when the new timestamp is reached, then the overlay immediately displays the correct contributor’s name, avatar, and highlight color corresponding to the sentence segment within 500ms.
Secure Profile Data Fetch
Given the session starts, when contributor profile data is requested for overlay display, then the system retrieves each contributor’s name and avatar via authenticated API calls and caches them securely before playback begins.
Fallback Display on Data Unavailability
Given a contributor’s profile data fails to load, when playback reaches that contributor’s sentence, then the overlay displays a default avatar placeholder and the contributor’s name, logs an error, and continues playback without interruption.
Export Playback Media
"As a team lead, I want to export our story-building session as a video so that I can share it in presentations and keep a record of our team’s creative process."
Description

Enable export of the full session replay as a downloadable video file (MP4) or animated GIF. The export will include all sentence text overlays, contributor highlights, and playback controls baked into the final media. This functionality connects to our media service, allowing users to share sessions externally or archive them for later reference.

Acceptance Criteria
Export as MP4 video
Given a completed Relay Replay session, when the user selects “Export” and chooses MP4 format, then the system shall generate a downloadable MP4 file that includes all sentence text overlays, contributor highlights, and baked-in playback controls within 60 seconds, and the file shall be playable in standard media players without loss of quality or missing segments.
Export as animated GIF
Given a completed Relay Replay session, when the user selects “Export” and chooses GIF format, then the system shall generate a looping animated GIF that captures the full story-building session at 10 frames per second, preserves all text overlays and contributor highlights, completes generation within 30 seconds, and results in a file size under 10 MB.
Large session export performance
Given a Relay Replay session exceeding 500 contributions, when the user initiates an MP4 export, then the system shall complete video generation within 120 seconds, maintain correct chronological order of contributions, and ensure no data truncation or overlap occurs in the final media.
Export cancellation handling
Given an in-progress media export, when the user clicks “Cancel Export,” then the system shall immediately stop file generation, delete any partial media files on the server, display a confirmation message to the user, and return to the Relay Replay interface without errors.
Download link availability
Given a successful media export, when the file is ready, then the system shall display a “Download” button with the correct file name and size, and ensure the download link remains valid for at least 24 hours before expiring.
Timeline Annotation Tools
"As a team member, I want to annotate key moments in the replay so that we can discuss improvements and gather feedback for future story edits."
Description

Allow users to add comments and annotations at specific timestamps within the replay timeline. Annotations will appear as markers that, when clicked during playback, display note details. This feature integrates with our commenting system and supports collaborative review, feedback loops, and iterative editing directly within the replay environment.

Acceptance Criteria
User Adds Annotation at Specific Timestamp
Given a replay timeline is displayed and paused at a timestamp When the user clicks the 'Add Annotation' button, enters text, and saves Then a marker appears at that exact timestamp with the correct annotation text visible in the comment panel
User Views Annotation Details During Playback
Given a replay is playing back and annotation markers are present When the user clicks a marker Then playback pauses and a tooltip displays the full annotation text along with author and time added
User Edits Existing Annotation
Given an existing annotation marker on the timeline When the user selects the marker, updates the text, and clicks 'Save' Then the marker reflects the updated text and the comment panel shows the edited content with timestamp of edit
User Deletes Annotation
Given an annotation marker on the timeline When the user selects 'Delete' from the marker context menu and confirms Then the marker is removed from the timeline and the annotation is removed from the comment list
Multiple Users Collaborate on Annotations
Given two or more users viewing the same replay When each user adds annotations at various timestamps Then all markers appear in real time for every participant with correct attribution and no data conflicts

Sprint Summary

Leverage AI to generate a concise synopsis and highlight key moments from the completed story relay. Sprint Summary saves participants time by producing shareable summaries, key takeaways, and standout sentences, ready for team distribution or social media posting.

Requirements

AI Summary Generation
"As a remote team member, I want an AI-generated summary of our story relay so that I can quickly understand the session’s highlights without reviewing the entire transcript."
Description

Automatically generate concise, coherent summaries of completed story relays using natural language processing, highlighting the session’s overall narrative flow, key decisions, and outcomes. This functionality reduces manual effort, ensures consistency, and provides immediate value by delivering ready-to-share summaries to support team alignment and stakeholder communication.

Acceptance Criteria
Generate Summary for Completed Story Relay
Given a story relay session has concluded, when the user selects 'Generate Summary', then the AI generates a summary within 10 seconds that is between 100-150 words, includes the session's narrative flow, at least three key decisions, and the final outcomes without grammatical errors.
Customize Summary Length
Given the user inputs a desired summary length (short, medium, long), when the summary is generated, then the summary length matches the selected option: short (50-75 words), medium (100-125 words), or long (150-175 words).
Highlight Standout Sentences
Given a completed story relay, when the user requests top highlights, then the AI identifies and highlights the top 5 standout sentences, ensuring each is self-contained and accurately reflects a key moment in the session.
Share Summary Externally
Given a generated summary, when the user chooses 'Share to Teams' or 'Export to Social Media', then the system formats the summary in Markdown and copies it to the clipboard or posts it to the selected platform within 5 seconds without data loss.
Ensure Summary Accuracy
Given the AI-generated summary, when reviewed by a subject matter expert, then the summary accuracy must be at least 90% accurate in depicting decisions and outcomes, as validated by comparing summary content to session logs.
Key Moments Extraction
"As a team manager, I want to extract key moments and quotes from our story relay so that I can showcase our best ideas and celebrate contributions."
Description

Identify and extract standout sentences, impactful quotes, and pivotal decisions from the relay transcript. This feature surfaces memorable content and critical insights, enabling users to easily reference important moments and reinforce team achievements in reports or social media posts.

Acceptance Criteria
User Initiates Key Moment Extraction
Given the user uploads a completed story relay transcript, when they click the “Extract Key Moments” button, then the system identifies and highlights at least five standout sentences, impactful quotes, or pivotal decisions with confidence scores above 0.8.
User Reviews Extracted Quotes
Given the system has extracted key moments, when the user accesses the review panel, then each extracted item is displayed with its source timestamp, speaker attribution, and a visual confidence indicator, and the user can approve or reject each item.
Automated Export of Key Moments
Given approved key moments are available, when the user selects an export format (JSON or CSV) and clicks “Export,” then the system generates a downloadable file containing all approved moments sorted by timestamp and including speaker and confidence metadata.
Integration with Social Media Posting
Given the user has finalized key moments, when they select “Share to Social Media” and choose a platform, then the system generates a pre-formatted post containing up to three top moments, includes relevant hashtags, and opens the platform’s sharing dialog with the content preloaded.
Error Handling with Poor Quality Transcripts
Given the uploaded transcript has sections of low audio quality or missing text, when the extraction process runs, then the system logs a warning for each affected segment, marks those segments as “Review Required,” and prompts the user to manually verify or correct them.
Shareable Export Templates
"As a user, I want to export summaries in ready-to-use templates so that I can quickly share them with my team or on social channels."
Description

Provide a set of customizable export templates (e.g., email, PDF, social media cards) for the generated summaries and highlights. Templates should allow users to select layouts, add branding elements, and download or share directly from the platform, streamlining distribution and ensuring consistent presentation.

Acceptance Criteria
Customizable PDF Export by Manager
Given a completed sprint summary, when the manager selects the PDF export option, adds the company logo and custom color scheme, and clicks ‘Download’, then a PDF is generated matching the selected layout, displays the sprint summary content, and includes the added branding elements.
Direct Email Sending from Platform
Given a generated sprint summary, when the user chooses the email template, enters one or more recipient addresses, and clicks ‘Send’, then the summary is delivered to the recipients’ inboxes formatted according to the selected template layout and brand styling.
Social Media Card Export
Given a finalized sprint summary, when the user selects a social media card template and clicks ‘Share’, then the system opens the target platform’s share dialog with a correctly sized image or post preview containing the summary highlights and applied branding.
Template Customization for Layout and Colors
Given the template selection screen, when the user modifies the layout, font, and color scheme and clicks ‘Preview’, then the preview updates to reflect all changes accurately and the user can save these settings for the final export.
Default Template Download
Given a generated sprint summary, when the user clicks ‘Download’ without selecting any custom template, then a file is downloaded using the default template, displaying the summary in the standard layout and styling.
Customizable Tone and Length
"As a communications lead, I want to customize the tone and length of the sprint summary so that it resonates with different stakeholders."
Description

Allow users to adjust summary tone (formal, casual, celebratory) and target length (brief overview, detailed recap) to suit different audiences and contexts. This customization ensures that the output aligns with brand voice and communication goals, providing flexibility for diverse use cases.

Acceptance Criteria
Tone and Length Selection
Given a user on the Sprint Summary customization panel, when they select a tone (formal, casual, celebratory) and length (brief overview, detailed recap) and request a summary, then the system generates a summary matching the chosen tone and within ±10% of the selected word count.
Default Summary Settings
Given a user navigates to the Sprint Summary feature without customizing options, when they request a summary, then the system applies the default 'formal' tone and 'brief overview' length.
Preference Persistence Across Sessions
Given a user saves custom tone and length settings, when they return to the Sprint Summary feature in a new session, then their previously saved tone and length appear pre-selected.
Unsupported Option Validation
Given a user inputs an unsupported tone or length value, when they attempt to generate a summary, then the system displays an error indicating invalid selection and prevents summary generation.
Tone-Specific Language Verification
Given a user selects the 'celebratory' tone, when the summary is generated, then the output includes at least three celebratory phrases (e.g., 'congratulations', 'well done', 'milestone achievement').
Performance and Scalability Optimization
"As a platform administrator, I want the summary feature to perform reliably under load so that all users receive timely results."
Description

Ensure the summary generation process can handle varying transcript lengths and concurrent user requests with minimal latency. Implement efficient caching, queueing, and scaling strategies to maintain responsiveness and reliability as user adoption grows.

Acceptance Criteria
Large Transcript Handling
Given a transcript exceeding 100,000 characters When the user requests a sprint summary Then the generation completes within 3 seconds and returns a complete, accurate summary without truncation or errors.
High Concurrency Support
Given 200 simultaneous summary requests When the system processes them Then the average response time remains under 2 seconds and the error rate stays below 1%.
Cache Efficiency for Repeated Requests
Given a transcript that was summarized within the last hour When a user requests the same summary Then the system retrieves the cached summary in under 100ms and does not reprocess the transcript.
Queue Backpressure Under Peak Load
Given 500 summary requests arrive within one minute When the processing queue reaches capacity Then new requests are correctly enqueued without loss and all queued requests are processed within the SLA without timeout failures.
Automated Scaling Trigger
Given CPU utilization exceeds 70% or queue length surpasses 300 pending jobs When the defined metric thresholds are crossed Then the autoscaler provisions additional instances within 30 seconds and reduces utilization or queue length below thresholds.

TrendTracker

Displays interactive graphs of individual and team mood fluctuations over days, weeks, and months, helping managers spot patterns, anticipate morale dips, and adjust engagement strategies proactively.

Requirements

Mood Data Ingestion Service
"As a remote team manager, I want the system to automatically collect and store my team's daily mood inputs, so that I can view accurate historical trends without manual data entry."
Description

A backend service that securely collects, normalizes, and stores individual mood responses submitted by team members through the TeamSpark app. It should integrate with existing user authentication, handle time-stamping, validate input, and provide reliable historical data for the TrendTracker feature. This service ensures accurate, real-time mood data availability for graph rendering and analysis.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful Mood Submission by Authenticated User
Given an authenticated user with a valid token When they submit a mood entry including userId, timestamp, and a mood value between 1 and 5 Then the service responds with HTTP 201 Created and persists the entry with correct fields in the database
Mood Submission with Invalid Data
Given an authenticated user When they submit a mood entry missing required fields, containing an out-of-range mood value, or an improperly formatted timestamp Then the service responds with HTTP 400 Bad Request and does not store the entry
Unauthenticated User Submission Attempt
Given a request without a valid authentication token When a mood entry is submitted Then the service responds with HTTP 401 Unauthorized and no data is stored
Bulk Mood Data Ingestion
Given a batch request containing multiple mood entries When the request is processed Then the service stores all valid entries, rejects invalid ones, responds with HTTP 207 Multi-Status, and includes success/failure details for each entry
Historical Data Retrieval for TrendTracker
Given a valid TrendTracker service API call with userId and date range parameters When the request is executed Then the service returns all stored mood entries for the user within the specified range, sorted by timestamp, in JSON format, with a response time under 300ms
Interactive Time-Series Mood Graph
"As a remote team manager, I want to explore my team's mood trends visually, so that I can quickly identify patterns and areas needing attention."
Description

A dynamic, interactive chart component that visualizes mood fluctuations over selectable periods (days, weeks, months). It should support smooth zooming, panning, hover-based data tooltips, and responsive performance across web and mobile. The graph must integrate with the Mood Data Ingestion Service and adhere to TeamSpark’s design system for consistent look and feel.

Acceptance Criteria
Zoom and Pan Interaction
Given the mood graph is displayed, when the user zooms (via scroll, pinch, or zoom controls) or pans (via drag), then the chart should smoothly adjust the view without data loss or rendering lag.
Data Point Tooltip on Hover
Given the user hovers over or taps a data point on the chart, then a tooltip must appear within 100ms showing the date, time, and mood value, styled according to the design system.
Responsive Chart Layout
When the graph is viewed on desktop, tablet, and mobile viewport sizes, then all chart elements (axes, labels, tooltips) must resize and reposition to maintain readability and functionality.
Mood Data API Integration
Given the Mood Data Ingestion Service endpoint, when the graph requests data for a selected timeframe, then the data must be fetched and plotted correctly within 200ms.
Design System Compliance
Given the TeamSpark design system guidelines, when the chart renders, then all colors, typography, spacing, and interactive controls must match the defined design tokens and patterns.
Custom Time Range Filters
"As a remote team manager, I want to filter mood data by specific dates or individuals, so that I can focus on relevant time frames and team members."
Description

A flexible filtering interface that allows managers to select predefined and custom date ranges, filter by individual or aggregated team data, and apply smoothing options such as rolling averages. Filters should dynamically update the interactive graph and integrate seamlessly with the TrendTracker UI, enabling tailored analysis without page reloads.

Acceptance Criteria
Predefined Date Range Selection
Given the TrendTracker interface is loaded, when the manager selects a predefined date range option (e.g., Last 7 Days, Last 30 Days), then the graph updates dynamically to display data for the exact selected range without a page reload and the UI label reflects the chosen option.
Custom Date Range Application
Given the date range picker is accessible, when the manager enters a valid custom start date and end date and confirms the selection, then the interactive graph refreshes to show data only within that custom period and the selected dates are visibly highlighted in the filter UI.
Individual vs Team Data Filtering
Given mood data is available, when the manager toggles the filter between individual user and aggregated team view, then the graph updates instantly to reflect the selected data scope and the legend updates to indicate whether it’s showing individual or team metrics.
Rolling Average Smoothing
Given the smoothing option is presented, when the manager selects a rolling average smoothing interval (e.g., 3-day, 7-day) and applies it, then the graph overlays the smoothed trend line correctly calculated over the chosen interval and displays the smoothing parameter in the chart legend.
Invalid Date Range Handling
Given the manager inputs an end date earlier than the start date, when they attempt to apply the range, then the system displays an inline validation error next to the date fields and the graph remains unchanged until a valid date range is entered.
Morale Dip Alert System
"As a remote team manager, I want to receive alerts when my team's morale dips significantly, so that I can intervene proactively."
Description

A notification engine that monitors mood scores in real time and triggers alerts when scores fall below configurable thresholds or show rapid downward trends. Alerts should be delivered via in-app notifications, email, or Slack integrations. The system must allow managers to define threshold values per individual or group and log notification history for audit purposes.

Acceptance Criteria
Individual Mood Threshold Breach
Given a user's mood score falls below their configured threshold, when the system processes the new score, then an alert is delivered via the user’s preferred channel (in-app/email/Slack) within 60 seconds and logged in notification history.
Group Mood Downward Trend Detected
Given the average mood score of a team group declines by more than 10% over three consecutive days, when the trend is identified, then the system sends alerts to the group manager via all active channels and creates an entry in the audit log.
Custom Threshold Configuration
Given a manager updates individual or group mood thresholds through the settings interface, when the changes are saved, then the new thresholds are applied immediately to real-time monitoring and reflected in the notification configuration page.
Notification History Audit
Given any alert is triggered, when the alert is sent, then the system records the timestamp, recipient details, threshold value breached, channel used, and delivery status in the notification history accessible to managers.
Channel Failure Fallback
Given the primary notification channel fails to deliver an alert, when the failure is detected within 30 seconds, then the system automatically retries on an alternate channel and logs both attempts in the audit trail.
Data Export & Reporting
"As a remote team manager, I want to download mood trend reports, so that I can share insights with stakeholders and maintain offline records."
Description

A feature enabling managers to export mood trend data and visual reports in CSV and PDF formats. Exports should include raw data tables, summary statistics, and embedded snapshots of the interactive graphs. This feature must integrate with existing export permissions and scheduling modules, supporting on-demand and scheduled report generation.

Acceptance Criteria
On-Demand CSV Data Export
Given a manager with valid export permissions, when they select a date range and click 'Export CSV', then the system generates and initiates a download of a CSV file containing raw mood data tables, summary statistics, and embedded graph snapshots matching the selected range.
Scheduled PDF Report Generation
Given a manager has configured a scheduled report delivery, when the scheduled time is reached, then the system automatically generates a PDF report with raw data tables, summary statistics, and graph snapshots, and emails it to the manager's registered address.
Export Permission Enforcement
Given a user without export permissions attempts to initiate any export, when they click the export action, then the system denies the request and displays an 'Insufficient Permissions' error message without generating any file.
Graph Snapshot Inclusion Verification
Given interactive mood trend graphs are visible for the selected period, when an export is generated in either CSV or PDF format, then the corresponding graph snapshots are embedded in the exported file at appropriate resolution and matching the on-screen display.
Performance on Large Data Range
Given a manager requests export for a date range exceeding 90 days, when the export process runs, then the system completes CSV or PDF generation within 30 seconds without data truncation or timeout errors.
Dashboard Integration of TrendTracker
"As a remote team manager, I want to see a quick mood overview on my TeamSpark dashboard, so that I can stay informed at a glance without navigating away."
Description

Embedding the TrendTracker widget within the main TeamSpark dashboard. It should display a summary sparkline, recent alerts, and a quick access link to the full TrendTracker view. Integration must support user-specific roles and permissions to ensure only authorized managers can access detailed mood analytics.

Acceptance Criteria
Sparkline Summary Display
Given an authorized manager is on the TeamSpark dashboard, when the page loads, then a sparkline summarizing mood fluctuations for their team over the past week is displayed within 2 seconds using accurate data.
Recent Alerts Listing
Given an authorized manager views the dashboard, when mood alerts exist for their team in the past 48 hours, then up to the five most recent alerts are listed with timestamp, affected individual or group, and alert type.
Quick Access Link Navigation
Given the sparkline and alerts are visible, when the manager clicks the TrendTracker quick access link, then the full TrendTracker view opens in the same browser tab.
Role-Based Access Control
Given a user without manager permissions accesses the dashboard, when the page loads, then the TrendTracker widget is not visible and an appropriate access denied message is not displayed to maintain UI consistency.
Widget Performance and Responsiveness
Given any authorized user on desktop or mobile, when resizing the browser or rotating the device, then the TrendTracker widget layout adapts without content overlap and remains fully functional within 1 second.

Mood Heatmap

Offers a color-coded calendar view of collective mood check-ins, allowing teams to quickly identify high-tension periods or peak positivity days to plan events, communications, or wellness initiatives.

Requirements

Mood Data Collection
"As a remote team member, I want to record my daily mood quickly so that my team leader can monitor overall morale over time."
Description

Implement a secure, user-friendly mechanism for daily mood check-ins that stores responses with timestamps. The system should support anonymous aggregation and tie responses to a specific team and date, ensuring data accuracy and privacy. This data will serve as the foundation for generating the Mood Heatmap, enabling reliable trend analysis and visualization.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Mood Check-In Submission
Given an authenticated team member accesses the mood check-in page When they select their mood and submit Then the system records the mood value and timestamp and returns a success confirmation
Anonymous Mood Data Aggregation
Given multiple mood submissions for a team over a specified date range When the system performs aggregation Then individual identities are removed and only aggregated metrics are displayed
Timestamp Accuracy Verification
Given a user submits a mood check-in from any time zone When the submission occurs Then the system records the timestamp in UTC corresponding to the user’s local submission time
Team Association Integrity
Given a user belongs to a defined team When they submit a mood check-in Then the mood entry is tagged with the correct team identifier and date
Data Privacy and Security Compliance
Given a mood submission request When data is in transit and at rest Then it must use HTTPS and be encrypted, and unauthorized access attempts are logged and rejected
Heatmap Calendar Visualization
"As a team manager, I want to view a color-coded calendar of team moods so that I can quickly recognize patterns and plan interventions."
Description

Develop an interactive, color-coded calendar interface that displays aggregated mood scores for each day. The visualization should use a gradient scale to represent mood intensity, support month, week, and day views, and adapt responsively across desktop and mobile devices. This feature will allow teams to identify high-tension or positive periods at a glance.

Acceptance Criteria
Monthly Mood Overview on Desktop
Given the user accesses the calendar in month view on a desktop browser, when the data is loaded, then each day cell is color-coded according to aggregated mood scores, matches the legend gradient scale, displays tooltip with date and average score on hover, and renders within 2 seconds.
Weekly Mood Analysis on Mobile
Given the user switches to week view on a mobile device, when the view loads, then seven consecutive days are displayed in a scrollable grid with correct color-coding, legend is visible, and no horizontal scrolling beyond cell boundaries is required.
Daily Mood Drill-Down
Given the user selects a specific day in any view, when the day is clicked or tapped, then the calendar transitions to day view displaying hourly mood bars with consistent gradient colors and clickable data points showing time and mood score.
Responsive Layout Adjustment
Given the user resizes the browser window or rotates their mobile device, when the viewport dimensions change, then the calendar layout adjusts responsively, maintaining cell aspect ratios, legible text, and no overlap between elements.
High-Tension Period Detection
Given a sequence of daily mood check-ins over a month, when the aggregated scores are below the predefined tension threshold for three or more consecutive days, then those days are highlighted with a red outline and a summary tooltip indicating a high-tension period.
Interactive Drill-Down
"As a team manager, I want to explore detailed mood data for specific days so that I can understand the causes behind peaks or troughs."
Description

Enable users to click or tap on any day or week segment in the heatmap to view detailed mood breakdowns. The drill-down should show the number of responses per mood category, comments or notes attached, and individual anonymous trends. This interactivity will support deeper insights and facilitate targeted team support or celebrations.

Acceptance Criteria
Day-Level Mood Breakdown
Given a user clicks on a specific day segment in the heatmap, When the day is selected, Then a drill-down view displays the number of responses per mood category, the list of anonymous comments for that day, and a miniature trend line of that day’s moods.
Week-Level Mood Summary
Given a user selects a week segment in the heatmap, When the week is selected, Then the system shows aggregated counts per mood category for the week, highlights the highest and lowest mood days, and lists daily comments grouped by mood category.
Anonymous Trend Visualization
Given the drill-down view is open, When the user views individual trends, Then each user’s mood trend over the selected period is displayed anonymously with distinct colors and no personal identifiers.
Comment Access and Filtering
Given the drill-down view is open, When the user applies a mood filter, Then only comments associated with the selected mood category are shown and the comment count badge updates to reflect the filtered results.
Performance Under Load
Given the heatmap has over 1,000 responses, When the user drills down into a day or week segment, Then the detailed view loads within 2 seconds and displays accurate counts and comments without errors.
Export and Reporting
"As a remote team leader, I want to export mood heatmap reports so that I can share insights with senior management and document engagement initiatives."
Description

Provide functionality to export heatmap data and detailed mood reports in CSV and PDF formats. Reports should include calendar visuals, aggregate statistics, and commentary summaries. This capability will support offline analysis, presentation to stakeholders, and long-term record-keeping for HR or management reviews.

Acceptance Criteria
Export Mood Heatmap as CSV
Given the user selects a valid date range and CSV format, when they click 'Export', then a downloadable CSV file is generated containing columns Date, Average Mood Score, Mood Distribution, Total Check-Ins for each day in the selected range; the download begins within 5 seconds; the file size does not exceed 5MB for a full year's data.
Export Mood Heatmap as PDF
Given the user selects a valid date range and PDF format, when they click 'Export', then a downloadable PDF report is generated including a color-coded calendar heatmap, aggregate statistics table, and commentary summaries; the PDF matches the design specification; the download begins within 7 seconds; the file size does not exceed 10MB.
Schedule Automated Report Delivery
Given the user configures a schedule (daily, weekly, or monthly), selects recipients and report format, when they save the schedule, then the system sends the report automatically at the scheduled time to all recipients; the email includes the report as an attachment and a link to the report in the application; each send event is logged with timestamp and status.
Verify Accuracy of Exported Data
Given a known set of mood check-ins, when the data is exported to CSV or PDF, then all records and aggregated values match the source data exactly; there are no missing or extra entries; calculations for averages, totals, and distribution are accurate; date formats respect the user's locale settings.
Handle Export Failure Gracefully
Given a data retrieval or server error occurs during export, when the user initiates the export, then the system displays a clear error message with a unique reference ID and steps for retrying; the error is logged in the system for support; the application remains responsive.
Notifications and Alerts
"As a team manager, I want to receive alerts when team morale drops significantly so that I can address concerns promptly."
Description

Implement customizable alerts that notify managers when mood metrics cross defined thresholds (e.g., multiple low-mood days in a row). Notifications can be delivered via email, in-app messages, or integrated team chat tools. This proactive feature ensures timely responses to emerging morale issues.

Acceptance Criteria
Threshold Exceeded Email Alert
Given a manager has defined a threshold of three consecutive low-mood days, when the team registers low moods for three days in a row, then an email alert must be sent to the manager’s registered email within five minutes containing the date range, mood summary, and recommended actions.
In-App Notification for Consecutive Low Moods
Given the team’s mood check-ins exceed the defined threshold, when the manager opens the TeamSpark app, then a prominent notification banner appears on the dashboard displaying the alert and a link to view detailed mood metrics.
Chat Tool Alert Customization
Given a manager has integrated a team chat tool and enabled alerts, when the mood threshold is crossed, then an alert message is posted in the designated chat channel within two minutes, including team name, dates of low moods, and alert level.
Alert Frequency Configuration
Given a manager configures a minimum alert interval of 24 hours, when multiple threshold breaches occur within that interval, then only the first breach generates an alert and subsequent breaches are suppressed until the interval elapses.
Manager Acknowledgement Tracking
Given an alert has been delivered via any channel, when the manager clicks the “Acknowledge” button in the notification or email, then the alert status is updated to “Acknowledged” in the alerts history and no further reminders are sent for that event.

Anonymous Pulse

Collects emoji check-ins anonymously to encourage candid feedback while still aggregating valuable insights. Users can share true sentiments safely, resulting in more accurate data and targeted support recommendations.

Requirements

Anonymous Emoji Submission Interface
"As a team member, I want to share my true feelings using emojis without revealing my identity, so that I can provide candid feedback without fear of judgment."
Description

Enable users to submit their daily sentiment using a selection of emojis without attaching any identifying information. The interface should present a clear set of emoji options, allow one-click submission, and immediately anonymize the response before storage. This feature encourages honest feedback by ensuring user identities are decoupled from their sentiment inputs.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Emoji Sentiment Submission
Given a logged-in remote team member is on the sentiment submission screen When they click on one of the emoji options Then the selected emoji is highlighted and the Submit button becomes enabled
Emoji Options Display
When the anonymous submission interface is loaded Then exactly six emoji options are displayed in a horizontal row, each with accessible alt text and unique data-value attributes
Anonymization Process
Given a user has selected and submitted an emoji When the data reaches the server Then all user-identifying fields (user_id, session_id, IP address) are stripped before persistence
Successful Submission Confirmation
When the emoji submission request is processed successfully Then the UI displays a confirmation message 'Your sentiment has been recorded anonymously' within 2 seconds without exposing any user details
Backend Storage Integrity
When an emoji sentiment is stored Then the database record includes only timestamp and emoji_id fields, and runs a validation check to ensure no user-specific columns are populated
Response Tokenization and Anonymity
"As a privacy-conscious user, I want my emoji submissions to be tokenized so that my individual responses cannot be traced back to me."
Description

Implement a tokenization system that replaces identifiable user data with randomized tokens. Store only the tokenized responses in the database, ensuring traceability for aggregate analytics but preventing backtracking to individual users. This safeguards privacy and maintains the integrity of anonymity throughout the data lifecycle.

Acceptance Criteria
Token Generation on Submission
Given a user submits an emoji check-in anonymously, when the system records the response, then it generates a unique random token (minimum 128 bits) and stores the tokenized record without any PII.
Secure Token-Only Storage
Given the database receives a tokenized response, when persisting data, then only the randomized token and emoji payload are saved, and no user-identifiable information is stored.
Aggregate Analytics Access
Given an analytics query is performed on anonymous check-ins, when fetching data, then the system uses tokens to group responses for aggregate metrics without revealing or linking to individual users.
Admin Privacy Enforcement
Given an administrator attempts to view or export response data, when accessing the records, then the system prevents display or export of any mapping between tokens and user identities.
Token Revocation and Data Deletion
Given a request to delete a user’s data is received, when processing the deletion, then the system invalidates the associated token, removes its record from the database, and confirms that it cannot appear in future analytics.
Sentiment Aggregation Engine
"As a manager, I want to see aggregated sentiment trends from anonymous responses so that I can understand overall team morale and identify areas needing attention."
Description

Develop a backend engine that processes anonymous emoji responses, categorizes them by sentiment type, and computes aggregated metrics such as overall mood scores, trend analyses over time, and segment breakdowns by team or department. This enables managers to gain insights into team morale without compromising individual anonymity.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Sentiment Summary Generation
Given at least one emoji response is collected for the day, when the backend processes end-of-day aggregation, then the system categorizes each emoji by predefined sentiment type, computes total counts for each sentiment, and presents the counts in the daily summary report.
Trend Analysis Over Time
Given historical emoji data over a specified date range, when a manager requests a sentiment trend report, then the engine calculates and returns the daily average mood score for each date in the range and ensures the trend line reflects accurate sentiment shifts.
Team Sentiment Breakdown per Department
Given emoji responses tagged with team and department metadata, when aggregating sentiments for a selected department, then the engine computes sentiment distribution across teams within the department and reports percentages for each sentiment category.
Privacy Compliance Check
Given individual emoji submissions, when generating aggregated metrics, then the engine does not store or expose any user-identifiable information and ensures the output contains only aggregated data fields.
Live Sentiment Update During Ongoing Challenge
Given incoming emoji responses during a live challenge, when new responses arrive, then the engine updates the overall mood score and sentiment counts in under 5 seconds without downtime.
Real-time Insights Dashboard
"As a team lead, I want a real-time dashboard of anonymous pulse data so that I can quickly monitor and respond to changes in team sentiment."
Description

Create a real-time dashboard that visualizes aggregated emoji sentiments using charts, heatmaps, and trend lines. The dashboard should update dynamically as new anonymous responses arrive, offer filtering by team or time period, and highlight significant mood shifts. This provides managers with actionable insights at a glance.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Dashboard Load
Given the manager navigates to the Real-time Insights Dashboard; When the page finishes loading; Then the dashboard displays aggregated emoji sentiment in charts, heatmaps, and trend lines representing all data to date.
Real-Time Data Update
Given a new anonymous emoji check-in is submitted; When the check-in is processed; Then the dashboard updates the relevant chart and heatmap within 2 seconds without a full page reload.
Team and Time Filtering
Given the manager applies a team filter on the dashboard; When the filter is selected; Then only data for the selected team is displayed in all visualizations. Given the manager applies a time period filter; When the date range is confirmed; Then all charts, heatmaps, and trend lines update to reflect sentiment within the specified period.
Significant Mood Shift Alert
Given cumulative sentiment changes exceed a 20% threshold in a 24-hour window; When this threshold is detected; Then the dashboard highlights the change area in red and displays an alert banner reading 'Significant mood shift detected.'
Dashboard Performance Under Load
Given continuous incoming data at a rate of up to 5 submissions per second; When the volume of incoming data increases; Then the dashboard updates remain within 2 seconds per update and frame rendering does not drop below 30 FPS.
Triggered Support Recommendations
"As a manager, I want to receive automated support recommendations when team sentiment dips, so that I can take timely action to support my team."
Description

Design a rule-based alert system that triggers automated support recommendations when aggregated sentiment falls below configurable thresholds. Recommendations might include one-on-one check-ins, team activities, or resource links. This proactive feature ensures timely intervention to address emerging issues.

Acceptance Criteria
Low Team Sentiment Alert
Given the aggregated anonymous sentiment score falls below the configured threshold for a team when daily analysis runs, the system generates an alert and delivers it to the manager’s dashboard within 5 minutes.
Automated Support Recommendation Delivery
Given an alert is triggered for low sentiment, when recommendations are generated, the system must present at least one appropriate action (one-on-one check-in prompt, suggested team activity, or resource link) on the dashboard and send an email notification to the manager.
Configurable Threshold Adjustment
Given the manager updates the sentiment threshold value in the settings, when the change is saved, the new threshold must be applied to all subsequent sentiment analyses and alerts within one hour.
Recommendation Content Accuracy
Given sentiment scores fall into predefined ranges (e.g., mild, moderate, severe), when recommendations are selected, the system must map each range to the correct set of support actions as defined in the rule configuration.
Notification Frequency Control
Given multiple low-sentiment events for the same team within a rolling 24-hour period, when generating alerts, the system must limit notification delivery to one alert per 8-hour window per team to avoid alert fatigue.

MoodMatch

Analyzes real-time mood data to suggest tailored gamified challenges—like energizing icebreakers on low-mood days or celebratory missions on high-mood days—boosting relevance and driving participation.

Requirements

Mood Data Capture Integration
"As a remote team member, I want the platform to automatically capture my mood from various sources so that I feel understood and receive relevant challenges without extra effort."
Description

Implement secure API integrations to collect real-time mood signals from multiple sources—self-reported surveys, communication sentiment analysis, and wearable biometric data—ensuring data accuracy and privacy compliance. This integration feeds the MoodMatch engine with continuous user mood insights, enabling tailored challenge suggestions and driving higher engagement.

Acceptance Criteria
Self-Reported Survey Data Submission
Given a user completes the in-app mood survey, when the user taps Submit, then the system transmits the survey responses via the secure API within 1 second and displays a confirmation message.
Communication Sentiment Analysis Integration
Given user messages are posted in connected communication channels, when messages are received, then the sentiment analysis service processes them in real time and logs aggregated mood scores with at least 95% accuracy.
Wearable Biometric Data Sync
Given a user has paired a wearable device, when the device transmits biometric readings, then the API ingests and encrypts the data at rest and in transit, updating the user’s mood profile every 5 minutes.
Data Privacy and Compliance Logging
Given mood data is captured from any source, then the system records all data access events in an audit log with masked user identifiers, ensuring compliance with GDPR and HIPAA.
Real-Time Mood Data Availability for MoodMatch
Given new mood inputs from any integration, when data arrives, then the MoodMatch engine receives and processes the update within 2 seconds, making tailored challenge suggestions immediately available.
Real-Time Mood Analysis Engine
"As a team manager, I want the system to analyze my team's mood in real time so that I can understand their emotional dynamics and receive timely engagement suggestions."
Description

Develop a scalable processing pipeline that analyzes incoming mood data in real time, applying NLP and statistical models to determine each team member’s current emotional state. Provides reliable mood scores to trigger appropriate challenge recommendations and supports continuous model improvement through user feedback.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Mood Data Ingestion
Given a new mood data packet arrives at the ingestion endpoint, when the processing pipeline executes, then a mood score is computed and stored in the database within 2 seconds.
NLP Sentiment Analysis Accuracy
Given a sample of 100 user messages, when the NLP model processes the text for sentiment, then the sentiment scores must match the human-labeled benchmark with at least 90% accuracy.
Statistical Model Scoring
Given combined mood metrics from multiple data sources, when the statistical model runs, then the composite mood score must be within the valid range of 0–100 and deviate no more than 5% from the control dataset.
Challenge Recommendation Trigger
Given a user’s mood score falls below the low threshold, when the recommendation engine is queried, then an energizing icebreaker challenge is returned within 1 second.
Feedback Integration for Model Improvement
Given user feedback on mood score accuracy is submitted, when the feedback processing job executes, then the feedback must be logged and queued for model retraining within 24 hours.
High Throughput Data Handling
Given 1000 concurrent mood data inputs per second, when the ingestion pipeline scales, then there must be no data loss and processing latency must remain under 5 seconds per packet.
Personalized Challenge Recommendation Algorithm
"As a remote worker, I want the platform to suggest challenges that fit my mood so that I feel more motivated to participate."
Description

Create an algorithm that matches mood analysis results to a dynamic repository of gamified challenges, ranking suggestions based on relevance, past participation, and team preferences. Ensures that each recommendation resonates with the user’s current mood and drives optimal participation.

Acceptance Criteria
Morning Low Mood Recommendation
Given a user’s mood score is 3 or below between 06:00 and 10:00, When the recommendation algorithm runs, Then it returns at least 3 energizing icebreaker challenges, And each challenge has not been used by the team in the past 7 days, And the list is sorted by descending relevance score.
Mid-Day Mood Drop Intervention
Given a user’s mood score drops by 2 or more points between consecutive assessments during 10:00–14:00, When the algorithm generates suggestions, Then it returns at least 2 mood-boosting micro-challenges, And each suggestion reflects the user’s past engagement rate, And the response time is under 5 seconds.
End-of-Week High Mood Celebration
Given a user’s mood score is 8 or above on a Friday between 16:00 and 18:00, When recommendations are fetched, Then it returns at least 3 celebratory challenges, And includes at least one team-based mission, And each challenge matches team preferences at 70% or higher.
Team Preference Filtering
Given the team’s saved preference categories, When the algorithm filters the challenge repository, Then it excludes challenges outside those categories, And the returned list only contains challenges within preferred categories, And each listed challenge has a relevance score above the configured threshold.
Participation History Adaptation
Given participation history data over the last 30 days, When generating personalized recommendations, Then the algorithm deprioritizes challenges with participation rates above 80%, And prioritizes those with rates between 30% and 80%, And the final list is sorted by descending relevance adjusted for recency.
Adaptive Challenge Display UI
"As a user, I want to see mood-tailored challenges in my dashboard so that I can quickly pick an activity that fits how I feel."
Description

Design and implement a responsive UI component that dynamically presents mood-based challenge suggestions in the dashboard, adapting visuals and copy to the user’s emotional state. Facilitates seamless engagement by highlighting the most relevant challenge and providing an intuitive selection flow.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Dashboard Load for Low Mood
Given the user’s mood score is below 40, when the dashboard loads, then the UI displays a low-energy challenge suggestion with calming visuals and encouraging copy within 2 seconds.
Dashboard Load for High Mood
Given the user’s mood score is above 80, when the dashboard loads, then the UI displays a celebratory challenge suggestion with vibrant visuals and upbeat copy within 2 seconds.
Seamless Challenge Selection Flow
Given a challenge suggestion is displayed, when the user selects it, then the selection flow opens the challenge details overlay, allows confirmation, and logs participation without page reload.
Mood Transition Update
Given the user’s mood changes during the session, when the new mood data is received, then the UI updates to show the most relevant challenge for the new mood within 1 second.
Responsive Rendering on Different Devices
Given the user accesses the dashboard on mobile or desktop, when the UI displays mood-based challenges, then all elements adapt to screen size, maintain readability, and preserve selection flow functionality.
Feedback Loop & Model Refinement
"As a user, I want to provide feedback on challenge suggestions so that the system learns my preferences and suggests better activities in the future."
Description

Introduce a feedback mechanism allowing users to rate challenge relevance and mood accuracy, feeding data back into the recommendation engine to continuously refine mood prediction and challenge matching. Enhances system performance and personalization over time.

Acceptance Criteria
Feedback Submission Interface Availability
Given a user completes a challenge When they navigate to the feedback screen Then they see rating options (1–5 stars) and a comment input field
Feedback Data Transmission
Given a user submits a rating and comment When the form is submitted Then the feedback is saved in the database with the correct userID, challengeID, timestamp, and rating value
Model Retraining with New Feedback
Given new user feedback has been collected When the nightly retraining job runs Then the recommendation engine incorporates the latest feedback and logs model performance metrics
Personalized Challenge Adaptation
Given a user’s prior feedback and mood data When the system generates next-day challenge suggestions Then at least 70% of suggested challenges receive a rating of 4 or 5 from that user
Feedback Dashboard Accuracy
Given an administrator filters feedback by date range When the filter is applied Then the dashboard displays average ratings and total feedback counts that match database records

Wellness Nudges

Sends personalized prompts with micro-wellbeing tips (stretch breaks, breathing exercises, positive affirmations) based on individual mood trends, promoting proactive self-care and stress management.

Requirements

Mood Tracking Integration
"As a remote team member, I want the system to analyze my mood patterns so that I receive wellness nudges when my engagement or mood dips."
Description

Integrate with existing mood tracking modules to collect and analyze individual user mood data in real time, identifying trends and fluctuations. Ensure seamless synchronization with daily interaction logs while maintaining data privacy and security. Trigger personalized wellness nudges based on detected mood shifts to promote proactive self-care and maintain engagement.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Mood Data Synchronization
Given a user’s mood entry is captured via the mood tracking module When the entry is saved Then the mood data is reflected in the wellness nudge system within 5 seconds and the timestamp difference between modules does not exceed 1 second
Trend Analysis Accuracy
Given seven days of consecutive mood data When the system computes mood trends Then the detected upward or downward trend matches manual calculations with at least 90% accuracy
Seamless Data Privacy Compliance
Given incoming mood data When storing and transmitting data Then all personally identifiable information is encrypted at rest using AES-256 and in transit via TLS 1.2 or higher and user consent is logged
Personalized Nudge Triggering
Given a user’s mood score drops by two levels below their baseline When the drop is detected Then a customized wellness nudge is delivered to the user’s dashboard within one minute
Daily Interaction Log Correlation
Given a user’s mood entry and daily interaction logs for the same day When correlating entries Then each mood record is linked to at least one interaction log entry within a ±15-minute window
Personalized Prompt Scheduling
"As a busy professional, I want wellness prompts scheduled at times that fit my workflow so that I can easily incorporate micro-breaks without interrupting my focus."
Description

Dynamically schedule micro-wellbeing prompts tailored to each user’s daily routine, availability, and mood trends. Optimize delivery timing using engagement metrics and work habits data to minimize disruption and maximize adoption. Allow users to set preferred quiet hours and adjust frequency based on individual needs.

Acceptance Criteria
Prompt Delivery During Optimal Work Hours
Given a user’s defined work hours and mood trend data, when the system schedules a wellbeing prompt, then the prompt is delivered within the user’s available window and aligned with peak engagement times.
Quiet Hours Restriction
Given the user’s configured quiet hours, when the system attempts to send a prompt during these times, then the prompt is suppressed and rescheduled to the next available window.
Frequency Adjustment Based on User Feedback
Given user feedback indicating prompt frequency preference, when the user increases or decreases frequency, then the system adjusts the number of daily prompts accordingly within 24 hours.
Real-Time Mood Trend Adaptation
Given a negative shift in mood trends, when the system analyzes recent mood entries, then it increases prompt relevance by selecting micro-wellbeing tips suited for stress management in the next scheduled prompt.
Engagement Metric Optimization
Given historical engagement metrics, when scheduling prompts for the week, then the system prioritizes time slots with engagement rates above 70% and de-prioritizes low engagement periods.
Tip Content Library
"As a user seeking quick self-care, I want access to a variety of wellbeing tips categorized by need so that I can choose the most suitable exercise or affirmation for my current state."
Description

Develop a rich, curated library of micro-wellbeing tips—stretch exercises, breathing techniques, positive affirmations—tagged by type, duration, intensity, and context. Support content filtering, localization, and regular updates to ensure relevance and freshness. Enable quick retrieval and seamless delivery of appropriate tips.

Acceptance Criteria
Filtering Tips by Duration
Given a user selects a duration filter of 2 minutes When the filter is applied Then the system returns only tips tagged with duration of 2 minutes
Retrieving Tips by Context and Tags
Given a user requests tips for 'stress management' with 'breathing' tag When the request is submitted Then the system returns at least three tips matching both context 'stress management' and tag 'breathing'
Localization Support for French Language
Given the system language is set to French When a user retrieves tips Then all returned tips are presented in French locale including translated content and appropriate formatting
Adding a New Tip to the Library
Given an admin user submits a new tip with valid type, duration, intensity, and context tags When the tip is saved Then the new tip appears in search results for relevant filters within 5 minutes
Regular Content Update Verification
Given the content library update schedule is monthly When the update date arrives Then at least 10 new tips are added and existing tips are reviewed for relevance with outdated tips flagged for removal
User Feedback Loop
"As a wellness nudge recipient, I want to rate and provide feedback on each prompt so that future suggestions better match my preferences and needs."
Description

Implement an in-app feedback mechanism allowing users to rate and comment on each wellness nudge. Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback to refine content selection and timing using machine learning models. Continuously adapt the personalization engine based on user preferences and satisfaction levels to improve effectiveness.

Acceptance Criteria
Nudge Feedback Submission
Given a user receives a wellness nudge, When the user selects a rating from 1 to 5 and optionally enters a comment, Then the system saves the rating and comment with a timestamp and associates it with the correct nudge ID.
Feedback Data Integrity Check
Given a submitted rating and comment, When the system processes the feedback, Then the feedback is validated for completeness, rating is within 1–5, comment length does not exceed 500 characters, and a success response is returned to the user.
Feedback Reflection in User Profile
Given that feedback has been submitted, When the user views their feedback history, Then the newly submitted rating and comment appear in chronological order with metadata including date, nudge type, and system acknowledgment status.
Model Retraining Trigger
Given a threshold of 100 new feedback entries or a change in average satisfaction score by ±10%, When these conditions are met, Then the system flags the dataset for retraining, logs an event in the ML operations dashboard, and notifies the data science team.
Adaptive Nudge Scheduling
Given that the personalization engine receives updated feedback data, When the engine recalculates user mood trends, Then subsequent wellness nudges are scheduled with at least 80% alignment to the updated preferences and any deviations are logged for review.
Admin Dashboard Analytics
"As a remote team manager, I want to view analytics on my team's wellness nudge engagement so that I can assess the effectiveness of our wellbeing initiatives and make data-driven improvements."
Description

Provide managers and admins with a comprehensive analytics dashboard displaying aggregated nudge engagement metrics, mood trend correlations, and wellbeing improvements over time. Include customizable reports, trend visualizations, and alert notifications. Offer exportable data and insights to support leadership decisions and wellbeing initiatives.

Acceptance Criteria
Weekly Nudge Engagement Overview
Given the manager is on the Admin Dashboard Analytics page, When they select the ‘Weekly Engagement’ view, Then the system displays total nudges sent, open rates, and response rates for each day of the selected week within 3 seconds; And the displayed values match backend data within a 1% tolerance.
Mood Trend Correlation Analysis
Given the manager has selected two mood metrics in the analytics filters, When they apply the filters, Then the dashboard displays a correlation coefficient and a scatter plot of selected mood trends versus nudge engagement over the chosen period; And the visualization renders within 5 seconds.
Custom Report Generation
Given the admin clicks ‘Generate Custom Report’, When they select metrics, date range, and export format (CSV or PDF), Then the system generates the report with the selected parameters, provides a download link on the dashboard, and sends a notification email containing the report link.
Alert Notification Trigger
Given a predefined engagement threshold (e.g., a 20% week‐over‐week decrease) is configured, When the system detects a drop exceeding this threshold, Then it sends an alert email to the manager and displays an in‐app banner with metric details and a timestamp.
Data Export Functionality
Given the manager chooses ‘Export Data’ for mood trend metrics, When they confirm the export request, Then the system exports the raw data in JSON format—including timestamps and anonymized user IDs—and initiates the file download within 5 seconds.

Integration Hub

Seamlessly syncs mood check-ins with collaboration platforms (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira), posting summary snapshots and alerts to channels or dashboards to ensure visibility and foster timely team support.

Requirements

OAuth2 Platform Authentication
"As an admin, I want to securely connect TeamSpark to collaboration platforms using OAuth2 so that user credentials are not stored and integrations remain secure."
Description

Implement a secure OAuth2 authentication module that enables TeamSpark to connect to supported collaboration platforms without storing user credentials. This module must handle token exchange, refresh, and revocation flows in compliance with each platform’s security requirements. It ensures secure data exchange, simplifies setup for administrators, and maintains trust by following best practices for identity management.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Slack OAuth2 Authorization Flow
Given an administrator initiates Slack integration, when they complete the OAuth2 consent form, then TeamSpark securely receives and stores an access_token and refresh_token without capturing user credentials
Automatic Token Refresh on Expiry
Given a valid refresh_token exists, when an API call fails due to an expired access_token, then TeamSpark automatically exchanges the refresh_token for a new access_token and retries the API call successfully
User-Initiated Token Revocation
Given a user revokes TeamSpark’s access in the Slack app settings, when revocation is detected, then TeamSpark invalidates stored tokens immediately, stops posting messages, and displays confirmation in the admin console
Handling Denied Authorization Requests
Given a user denies permissions during the OAuth2 consent screen, when the denial callback is received, then TeamSpark displays a clear error message and ensures no tokens are stored
Scope Verification for Requested Permissions
Given the OAuth2 callback includes granted scopes, when TeamSpark validates scopes, then it confirms all required scopes are present and logs an error if any required scope is missing, preventing integration until resolved
Slack Integration Connector
"As a remote manager, I want TeamSpark to post mood check-in snapshots and alerts directly to a Slack channel so that my team can stay informed without leaving our main communication platform."
Description

Develop a dedicated Slack connector that subscribes to TeamSpark’s mood check-in events and posts formatted summary snapshots and real-time alerts to designated Slack channels. It should support channel selection, message customization, and user mention options. This connector enhances visibility by delivering updates directly into the team’s primary communication workspace.

Acceptance Criteria
Channel Subscription Configuration
Given a manager navigates to the integration settings page and selects a Slack workspace and channel When the manager saves the configuration Then the connector subscribes to TeamSpark mood check-in events for the selected channel and confirms a successful connection with a Slack API response status of 200
Daily Summary Posting
Given it is 09:00 UTC each business day When the connector fetches the last 24 hours of mood check-in events Then it formats a snapshot message according to the template and posts it to the configured Slack channel within 5 minutes with a 200 OK response from Slack
Real-Time Low Mood Alert
Given a user submits a mood check-in with a value below the low-mood threshold When the connector receives the event Then it posts an alert message to the designated Slack channel within 1 minute, mentioning the team lead and including the user’s name and mood details
Custom Message Template Preview
Given a manager edits the Slack message template in the integration settings using valid placeholders When the manager clicks the preview button Then the system renders a sample Slack message with placeholder values replaced and displays it without errors
User Mention Option Toggle
Given a manager toggles the user-mention setting on or off in the integration settings When the connector posts any summary or alert message Then messages include @mentions when enabled and exclude all mentions when disabled
Microsoft Teams Integration Connector
"As a team lead, I want TeamSpark to sync mood summaries to Microsoft Teams so that I can review and address team morale within our existing collaboration environment."
Description

Build a Microsoft Teams connector that integrates with TeamSpark’s event stream to publish mood summaries and alerts to specified Teams channels or tabs. It must support channel mapping, adaptive card formatting, and notification settings in line with Teams API guidelines. This ensures seamless visibility in enterprise collaboration environments.

Acceptance Criteria
Publishing Daily Mood Summary to Teams Channel
Given TeamSpark aggregates daily mood data, when the connector publishes the summary, then an adaptive card appears in the configured Teams channel containing correct mood metrics, timestamp, and team identifier without errors.
Posting Real-time Alerts for Low Team Mood
Given the event stream flags a low mood threshold breach, when the connector detects the event, then it sends an alert message to the mapped Teams channel within 30 seconds containing the mood score, affected team name, and recommended action.
Channel Mapping Configuration Validation
Given multiple Teams channels are defined in connector settings, when publishing any summary or alert, then the connector posts to each target channel according to the mapping configuration without sending to unmapped channels.
Adaptive Card Formatting Compliance
Given Teams API adaptive card schema, when the connector constructs the card payload, then the adaptive card JSON validates against the official Teams schema and renders correctly in the Teams client.
Notification Settings Respect User Preferences
Given user-configured quiet hours and priority levels, when an alert or summary is to be sent, then the connector suppresses or delays notifications according to the preferences, ensuring no messages during quiet hours.
Jira Integration Connector
"As a project manager, I want mood check-ins to be logged in Jira dashboards so that I can correlate team sentiment with project progress and identify potential risks."
Description

Create a Jira integration that links TeamSpark mood check-ins to Jira dashboards or projects. The connector should allow mapping of mood events to specific projects or boards, attach sentiment summaries to issues, and configure automated alerts for anomalous trends. This integration enables project managers to correlate team sentiment with workflow progress.

Acceptance Criteria
Mapping Mood Check-Ins to Jira Projects
Given a team member submits a mood check-in in TeamSpark When the Jira Integration Connector is configured for that member’s project mapping Then the mood event appears in the corresponding Jira project dashboard within one minute with correct sentiment and timestamp
Attaching Sentiment Summary to Jira Issues
Given a Jira issue is linked to TeamSpark mood data When viewing the issue in Jira Then the sentiment summary for the past seven days displays in a “TeamSpark Sentiment” custom field and updates daily
Automated Alerts for Anomalous Trends
Given the average mood score for a project falls below the configured threshold for three consecutive days When the connector detects this trend Then an alert message with trend details is posted to the designated channel and a comment is added to the related Jira project
Manual Re-Sync of Mood Data
Given a project manager initiates a manual sync in the TeamSpark UI When the sync runs Then all unsynced mood check-ins from the last 24 hours are pushed to the mapped Jira projects without duplication and a success confirmation is returned
Error Handling for Failed API Calls
Given the Jira API returns an error during mood data sync When an error occurs Then the connector retries up to three times with exponential backoff, logs the error in TeamSpark, and notifies the admin via email if failures persist
Integration Configuration Dashboard
"As an admin, I want a centralized configuration dashboard to manage platform connections, channel mappings, and notification settings so that I can easily set up and modify integrations without code changes."
Description

Design an admin-facing configuration dashboard within TeamSpark that centralizes the setup and management of integrations. The dashboard should support adding or removing platform connections, mapping channels or projects, customizing message templates, and setting alert thresholds. This interface empowers administrators to configure integrations without developer intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding a New Integration Connection
Given an administrator is on the Integration Configuration Dashboard, When they select “Add Integration” and choose a platform, Then the platform connection is created, authenticated, and listed in the dashboard within five seconds.
Removing an Existing Platform Connection
Given an existing integration is listed on the dashboard, When the administrator clicks “Remove” and confirms the action, Then the integration is deleted and no longer appears in the list, and any scheduled syncs are canceled.
Mapping Channels or Projects
Given a connected platform, When the administrator selects “Map Channels/Projects,” chooses a channel or project from the dropdown, and saves, Then the mapping is stored, and messages or data sync to the specified channel or project.
Customizing Message Templates
Given the administrator is on the Message Templates tab, When they edit a template, insert variables (e.g., {{username}}, {{mood}}), and save, Then the template updates immediately and renders correctly in a preview.
Setting Alert Thresholds
Given the administrator navigates to Alert Settings, When they define threshold values for mood check-ins and save, Then alerts trigger correctly when thresholds are breached and notifications appear in the mapped channels.
Sync Scheduler & Retry Mechanism
"As a user, I want mood data to sync automatically at configurable intervals and retry on failures so that I can trust the data is consistently up-to-date without manual intervention."
Description

Implement a robust scheduler and retry mechanism for the Integration Hub that controls the frequency of data synchronization and handles intermittent failures. It should allow administrators to define sync intervals, backoff strategies, and maximum retry attempts. This ensures reliable, timely data delivery even in the face of transient errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Custom Sync Interval Configuration
Given an administrator sets the sync interval to a specific value in minutes, when the scheduler is configured, then the system executes data synchronization at the defined interval +/- 1 minute.
Successful Scheduled Sync Execution
Given valid integration credentials and healthy network conditions, when the scheduler triggers a sync operation at the scheduled time, then the system successfully retrieves mood check-ins and posts a summary snapshot to the target platform within 30 seconds.
Retry Mechanism on Transient Error
Given a scheduled sync attempt encounters a transient error (e.g., HTTP 502 or timeout), when the retry mechanism is invoked, then the system retries the sync operation up to the configured maximum attempts.
Exponential Backoff Strategy Application
Given consecutive transient failures during sync attempts, when retries are scheduled, then the delay between retries doubles after each failure, starting from the base interval, without exceeding the maximum backoff limit.
Alert on Max Retry Exceeded
Given all retry attempts for a scheduled sync have failed, when the final retry fails, then the system logs the failure and sends an alert notification to the administrator channel or email.
Notifications & Alert System
"As a team lead, I want to receive real-time alerts for critical mood trends in my collaboration channels so that I can take timely action to support my team."
Description

Develop a flexible notification and alert system that triggers based on configurable sentiment thresholds and event patterns. The system should send real-time alerts to configured channels or users, support escalation rules, and allow customization of notification content. This feature ensures timely intervention when critical mood trends are detected.

Acceptance Criteria
Threshold Breach Notification
Given the sentiment score falls below the configured negative threshold; When the system processes the latest mood check-in; Then a notification containing the sentiment score, user details, and predefined alert message is sent within 1 minute to the designated channel.
Unacknowledged Alert Escalation
Given an initial alert has been sent and remains unacknowledged for the escalation delay period; When the escalation delay elapses; Then the system escalates the alert by sending a second notification to the next-level recipient group within 5 minutes.
Custom Notification Content
Given a custom notification template is configured with placeholders; When an alert is triggered; Then the notification content populates all placeholders with correct event data and follows the specified formatting rules.
Notification Channel Configuration
Given a user configures multiple notification channels (email, Slack, Teams); When the user saves the configuration; Then the system sends a test notification to each configured channel successfully with HTTP 200 response statuses.
Real-Time Platform Integration
Given integration with Slack or Microsoft Teams is enabled; When a real-time sentiment alert occurs; Then the system posts a summary snapshot in the specified channel within 30 seconds and logs the post ID for audit.

Spotlight Showcase

Automatically pin and spotlight key victories at the top of the Victory Board, ensuring high-impact achievements get maximum visibility and recognition. Team leads can feature ‘Milestone of the Week’ or ‘Top Performer’ highlights, driving motivation and sharing success stories across the organization.

Requirements

Auto Spotlight Detection
"As a remote team member, I want the platform to automatically highlight our most significant achievements so that impactful successes are recognized promptly and consistently."
Description

The system automatically analyzes victory submissions based on metrics such as team impact, performance indicators, and milestone significance to identify and pin high-impact achievements at the top of the Victory Board. This ensures that key successes receive immediate visibility without manual intervention, fostering timely recognition and motivation across remote teams.

Acceptance Criteria
Milestone of the Week Detection
Given at least one victory submission in the past week, when the system calculates weekly impact scores, then the submission with the highest impact score is automatically pinned as 'Milestone of the Week' on the Victory Board within 2 minutes of calculation.
Top Performer Highlight
Given multiple individual victory submissions, when the system evaluates performance metrics for the current sprint, then the submission with metrics in the top 5% is auto-pinned under 'Top Performer' and highlighted within 5 minutes of evaluation.
Team Impact Recognition
Given a team-based victory submission with a combined impact score exceeding the predefined threshold, when analyzed, then the system pins it as 'Team Impact' at the top of the Victory Board and sends a notification to all team members within 3 minutes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Achievement
Given a victory submission tagged with members from two or more departments, when the system detects cross-functional involvement, then the achievement is auto-pinned under 'Cross-Functional Collaboration' and broadcasted to all involved department channels within 4 minutes.
Rapid Response Victory
Given a submission marked as an urgent client request resolved within SLA, when the system identifies SLA compliance and resolution time under threshold, then the victory is auto-pinned as 'Rapid Response Victory' within 1 minute of confirmation and triggers an in-app badge notification.
Manual Spotlight Management
"As a team lead, I want to manually feature and prioritize important victories so that I can ensure strategic contributions are recognized by the entire organization."
Description

Team leads can manually select, feature, and prioritize specific victories as ‘Milestone of the Week’ or ‘Top Performer’ highlights through an intuitive interface. This functionality allows for curated recognition of strategic or exceptional contributions, ensuring that leadership can spotlight achievements aligned with organizational goals.

Acceptance Criteria
Access Manual Spotlight Management Interface
Given a team lead is logged in and navigates to the Victory Board, when they click 'Manage Spotlight', then the Manual Spotlight Management interface appears within 2 seconds with selection and prioritization controls visible.
Select a Victory to Feature
Given the Manual Spotlight Management interface is open, when the team lead selects a victory and clicks 'Feature', then the victory moves to the 'Featured' list and is visually highlighted in the interface.
Prioritize Spotlight Order
Given multiple victories are in the 'Featured' list, when the team lead drags a victory to a new position, then the order updates immediately and persists after page reload.
Change Featured Spotlight
Given a victory is already featured, when the team lead deselects it or clicks 'Unfeature', then the victory is removed from the 'Featured' list and returns to the available victories list.
Verify Spotlight Display on Victory Board
Given featured victories are set, when any user views the Victory Board, then the 'Milestone of the Week' and 'Top Performer' highlights appear at the top of the board in the configured order.
Spotlight Rotation Scheduler
"As an administrator, I want to set spotlight rotation schedules so that the Victory Board stays fresh and engaging without manual updates."
Description

A configurable scheduling system automatically rotates spotlighted victories on a daily, weekly, or custom interval basis. Administrators can set schedules and rules, ensuring fresh content and sustained engagement on the Victory Board while preventing stale highlights.

Acceptance Criteria
Admin Configures Daily Rotation Schedule
Given an administrator accesses the Spotlight Rotation Scheduler settings, When they set the rotation interval to 'Daily' at 09:00, Then the schedule is saved and a confirmation message is displayed.
System Executes Daily Rotation
Given a saved daily rotation schedule, When the system reaches 09:00 each day, Then the spotlighted victory rotates to the next item in the queue and the Victory Board updates automatically.
Admin Configures Custom Interval Rotation
Given an administrator selects a 'Custom' interval, When they specify a rotation every 72 hours, Then the system validates the interval, saves the schedule successfully, and displays a confirmation.
Spotlight Persists Without New Victories
Given no new victories have been added since the last rotation, When the scheduled rotation time arrives, Then the currently spotlighted victory remains unchanged and no errors occur.
Prevent Overlapping Schedules
Given existing rotation schedules, When an administrator attempts to create a new schedule that overlaps an existing one, Then the system rejects the request with a descriptive error message.
Spotlight Display Customization
"As a product designer, I want to customize the appearance of spotlighted achievements so that they align with our team’s branding and increase engagement."
Description

Provides customizable display templates and layout options for spotlight sections, including image thumbnails, custom captions, and themed backgrounds. This allows teams to tailor the visual presentation of spotlighted achievements to match branding and enhance user engagement.

Acceptance Criteria
Template Selection by Team Lead
Given a team lead is on the Spotlight Display Customization page When they select a display template Then the preview updates to reflect the chosen template without errors
Thumbnail Image Upload
Given a team lead is adding a thumbnail When they upload a valid image file Then the thumbnail displays correctly in the preview and is saved with the spotlight
Custom Caption Addition
Given a team lead is editing a spotlight entry When they input a custom caption Then the caption appears below the thumbnail in both preview and final view without truncation
Background Theme Selection
Given a team lead is selecting a background theme When they apply a themed background Then the spotlight section updates with the correct background and maintains readability of text
Template Preview and Save
Given a team lead has customized template, thumbnail, caption, and background When they click ‘Save’ Then the customization is persisted and appears correctly on the Victory Board for all users
Spotlight Notification Alerts
"As a team member, I want to receive notifications when a new spotlight is added so that I can stay informed and celebrate important wins promptly."
Description

Users receive in-app and email notifications whenever a new spotlight is added or rotated on their Victory Board. Notifications include a link to the featured achievement, ensuring everyone stays informed and can celebrate highlighted successes in real-time.

Acceptance Criteria
In-App Alert on New Spotlight
Given a team lead adds a new spotlight to the Victory Board, When the spotlight is saved, Then all active users receive an in-app notification within 30 seconds showing the spotlight title and a link to view details.
Email Notification on Spotlight Rotation
Given the ‘Milestone of the Week’ spotlight rotates automatically at 9:00 AM on Monday, When rotation occurs, Then all subscribed users receive an email notification within 2 minutes containing the new milestone title and direct link.
Notification Link Directs to Spotlight Detail
Given a user clicks on any in-app or email notification about a spotlight, When the link is activated, Then the user is navigated to the detailed view of the featured achievement on the Victory Board page.
Honor User Notification Preferences
Given a user has disabled email notifications in their profile settings, When a new spotlight is added or rotated, Then the system sends only an in-app notification and suppresses the email.
Notification Delivery Performance
Given a new spotlight is published, When the publish action completes, Then both in-app and email notifications (where enabled) must be sent within 60 seconds and logged for delivery tracking.

Victory Pulse

Provides real-time analytics on board engagement—tracking views, reactions, and shares for each celebration. Managers gain instant insight into which achievements resonate most, enabling data-driven adjustments to recognition strategies and boosting overall team morale.

Requirements

Real-time Data Ingestion
"As a remote team manager, I want to see celebration engagement events reflected on my analytics dashboard in real time so that I can respond immediately to high-performing achievements and boost team morale."
Description

The system must collect and process engagement events—views, reactions, and shares—as they occur, ensuring data is ingested and available in under five seconds. It integrates with the existing event pipeline, providing high-throughput, low-latency streaming, and robust error handling to guarantee data consistency and resilience. Managers will benefit from instantaneous insight into engagement trends, enabling timely recognition and strategy adjustments.

Acceptance Criteria
High-throughput Streaming Validation
Given the system receives 1000 engagement events per second continuously for 10 minutes, when ingestion occurs then the system maintains an ingestion rate of ≥1000 events per second without any data loss.
Latency Under Threshold Verification
Given a single engagement event is generated by a client, when the event enters the ingestion pipeline then it is available for analytics consumption within 5 seconds of generation.
Error Handling and Recovery
Given a transient network failure occurs during ingestion, when connectivity is restored then all events buffered during the outage are ingested exactly once within 5 seconds and no duplicates or losses occur.
Data Consistency Across Pipeline
Given an event passes through the ingestion pipeline, when comparing source and analytics store records then 100% of event attributes (timestamps, IDs, payload) match exactly and the total event count remains consistent.
Integration with Existing Event Pipeline
Given existing event pipeline services are running, when real-time ingestion is enabled then both pipelines receive the same events concurrently and end-to-end processing latency in either pipeline does not exceed 5 seconds.
Interactive Analytics Dashboard
"As a manager, I want a clear, interactive dashboard showing engagement metrics over different periods so that I can identify which celebrations resonate most and optimize recognition strategies."
Description

Deliver an intuitive, interactive dashboard that displays core metrics—total views, reaction counts, and shares—across custom timeframes. The interface supports filtering by celebration type, sorting by engagement level, and drill-down to individual event details. It’s designed responsively for desktop and mobile, ensuring seamless integration with Victory Pulse and adherence to accessibility standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Core Metrics Overview
Given a manager selects a custom timeframe on the dashboard When the dashboard loads the data Then total views, reaction counts, and shares are displayed And the displayed metrics aggregate accurately against backend records And the data renders within 2 seconds of timeframe selection
Filter by Celebration Type
Given the manager chooses a specific celebration type filter When the filter is applied Then only metrics for that celebration type (views, reactions, shares) appear And the filter can be reset to show all celebration types
Sort by Engagement Level
Given multiple celebration entries are listed When the manager sorts by engagement level descending or ascending Then the entries reorder correctly based on total reactions And items with equal reactions maintain their relative order
Drill-Down to Event Details
Given the manager clicks on a celebration entry in the overview When the detail view loads Then the celebration’s metadata (title, date, participants) and engagement breakdown (views, reactions, shares) display correctly And a navigation option returns to the overview without data loss
Responsive Layout on Mobile
Given the dashboard is accessed on a mobile device (width ≤ 768px) When the dashboard loads Then the layout adapts to a single-column view And filters, sorting controls, and metric cards remain fully functional and legible
Accessibility Compliance
Given any user navigates via keyboard or screen reader When interacting with dashboard elements Then all interactive controls are reachable via keyboard And all elements have appropriate ARIA labels and meet WCAG 2.1 AA contrast ratios
Custom Alert Configuration
"As a team leader, I want to set up alerts when engagement crosses specific thresholds so that I can acknowledge popular achievements promptly and maintain high morale."
Description

Provide a configuration interface allowing managers to define threshold-based alerts for engagement metrics (e.g., 100 reactions in 24 hours). Alerts are delivered via email, in-app notifications, or Slack. The system supports rule parameters customization, scheduling, and escalation paths. This ensures proactive notifications when key milestones are reached.

Acceptance Criteria
Threshold Alert Creation
Given a manager accesses the Custom Alert Configuration interface When they enter a metric threshold of 100 reactions within 24 hours, select email and in-app channels, and save the alert Then the system displays a confirmation message and the new alert appears in the active alerts list.
Email Notification Delivery
Given an active alert for 100 reactions within 24 hours When the reaction count on a Victory Pulse board reaches 100 within a 24-hour window Then the manager receives an email notification with the board details, metric threshold, and timestamp within 5 minutes of threshold crossing.
In-App Notification Delivery
Given an active alert When the defined threshold is met Then an in-app notification appears in the manager's notifications center, including the metric, board link, and timestamp.
Slack Alert Delivery
Given Slack integration is enabled and a Slack channel is selected When the threshold is triggered Then a message is posted to the specified Slack channel containing the board name, metric threshold, and link.
Alert Escalation Path
Given an alert is unacknowledged 1 hour after initial notification When escalation paths are configured Then the system sends an alert to the secondary recipient via the selected channels within 5 minutes of the escalation time.
Historical Trend Reporting
"As a program coordinator, I want to analyze engagement trends over time so that I can evaluate the effectiveness of different recognition campaigns and inform future initiatives."
Description

Implement historical data reporting tools to track engagement trends over weeks, months, and quarters. Generate exportable PDF and CSV reports, and visualize long-term patterns with line graphs and heat maps. This module integrates with the analytics database to support complex queries and trend analysis, helping managers assess the long-term impact of recognition activities.

Acceptance Criteria
Weekly Trend Data Visualization
Given a manager selects a one-week period and requests the trend report, when the system queries the analytics database, then a line graph displays daily counts of views, reactions, and shares for each day with correct labels, scaling, and interactive tooltips.
Monthly PDF Report Generation
Given a manager selects a one-month period and clicks 'Export PDF', when the system compiles the report, then a PDF file is generated containing a summary table of engagement metrics, a line graph, and a heat map with correct date ranges, legends, and data matching the database.
Quarterly Heat Map Analysis
Given a manager selects a quarterly date range and views the trend report, when the heat map is rendered, then cell colors reflect engagement intensity according to defined thresholds, the legend displays accurate value ranges, and data matches backend records.
Custom Date Range CSV Export
Given a manager inputs a custom start and end date and clicks 'Export CSV', when the export process completes, then a CSV file is downloaded with headers 'Date','Views','Reactions','Shares', rows for each date in range, values matching the database, and file encoded in UTF-8.
Complex Query Filter Application
Given a manager applies filters for team, recognition type, and date range before generating a report, when the system processes the filters, then the displayed line graph and heat map include only records matching the filters, and total values reflect the sum of filtered records.
Metrics Export API
"As a data analyst, I want an API to pull raw engagement metrics so that I can integrate Victory Pulse data into our enterprise BI tools for deeper analysis."
Description

Expose a secure RESTful API that allows authorized clients and external BI tools to retrieve engagement metrics. The API supports authentication tokens, pagination, filtering by time range and board, and rate limiting. It ensures seamless integration with third-party analytics platforms and drives deeper analysis beyond the built-in dashboard features.

Acceptance Criteria
Authentication Token Validation
Given a valid authentication token When the client requests metrics Then the API responds with HTTP 200 and returns the requested metrics data. Given an invalid or expired authentication token When the client requests metrics Then the API responds with HTTP 401 Unauthorized.
Metrics Retrieval with Time Range Filter
Given a valid authentication token and valid start_date and end_date parameters When the client requests metrics with these time range filters Then the API returns only metrics records whose timestamps fall between start_date and end_date and includes the applied time range in response metadata.
Pagination of Metrics Results
Given a valid authentication token When the client requests metrics with page and per_page query parameters Then the API returns the correct subset of metrics entries for that page and includes pagination metadata (total_count, page, per_page, total_pages).
Filtering Metrics by Board
Given a valid authentication token and a board_id parameter When the client requests metrics filtered by board_id Then the API returns only the metrics associated with that board and includes board_id metadata in the response.
Rate Limiting Enforcement
Given a client has made 100 valid requests within one minute When the client makes the 101st request in the same time window Then the API responds with HTTP 429 Too Many Requests and includes a Retry-After header indicating when the client can retry.

Archive Lens

Offers a searchable, timeline-based archive of all past victories with filtering by date, team, or badge type. Users can revisit memorable moments, celebrate long-term progress, and generate retrospective reports for performance reviews and team retrospectives.

Requirements

Timeline-Based Archive
"As a remote team member, I want to browse a timeline of past victories so that I can easily revisit and celebrate our team's milestones."
Description

Provides users with a visually interactive, scrollable timeline that displays all past team victories in chronological order. Each entry includes key details like date, team name, badge type, and a brief description of the achievement. This functionality allows remote teams to visually navigate through historical moments, fostering a sense of continuity and celebration by revisiting milestones directly within the TeamSpark environment.

Acceptance Criteria
Browsing Past Victories on Timeline
Given the user opens the Timeline-Based Archive, When they scroll vertically, Then entries load continuously in chronological order without performance lag; And each entry displays the date, team name, badge type, and description.
Filtering Archive by Date Range
Given the user selects a start and end date in the filter panel, When they apply the filter, Then only entries with dates within that range appear on the timeline; And the timeline updates within 1 second of applying the filter.
Searching for Specific Team or Badge
Given the user enters a team name or badge type in the search field, When they submit the search, Then the timeline displays only matching entries; And the search results load within 500 milliseconds with non-matching entries hidden.
Viewing Detailed Achievement Entry
Given the user clicks on a timeline entry, When the detail panel opens, Then it displays expanded information including full description, related media, participants, and achievement metrics; And the panel closes when the user clicks the close button or outside the panel.
Generating Retrospective Report
Given the user clicks the 'Generate Report' button and selects parameters (date range, team, badge), When they confirm the request, Then the system exports a PDF report listing all filtered entries in chronological order with summary statistics within 5 seconds.
Advanced Filtering
"As a team manager, I want to filter past victories by date, team, or badge type so that I can focus on the most relevant achievements for my reports."
Description

Enables users to apply multi-faceted filters—such as date ranges, specific teams, badge types, and individual contributors—to narrow down archive results. Filters can be combined and saved as presets for quick access. This capability ensures users can efficiently locate relevant achievements, customize their view, and generate targeted retrospectives.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter by Date Range
Given the user is on the Archive Lens page, when they select a start date and end date and apply the filter, then only archive entries with timestamps within that date range are displayed.
Filter by Specific Team
Given the user is on the Archive Lens page, when they choose a specific team from the team filter dropdown and apply the filter, then only archive entries associated with that team are displayed.
Filter by Badge Type
Given the user is on the Archive Lens page, when they select one or more badge types and apply the filter, then only archive entries matching the selected badge types are displayed.
Combine Multiple Filters
Given the user has selected a date range, team, badge type, and individual contributor, when they apply all filters simultaneously, then only archive entries matching all criteria are displayed.
Save and Retrieve Filter Preset
Given the user has configured multiple filters, when they save the configuration as a named preset, then the preset is stored and appears in the presets list; when the user selects the preset, all filters are re-applied exactly as saved.
Full-Text Search
"As a team member, I want to search the archive by keywords so that I can quickly find particular achievements or moments."
Description

Implements a search bar that supports keyword and phrase searches across all archived victory descriptions, badges, and team names. The search engine highlights matching terms in results and suggests auto-completions based on popular queries. This feature empowers users to swiftly locate specific events or themes within the archive without manual browsing.

Acceptance Criteria
Keyword Search in Victory Descriptions
Given a user enters a single keyword in the search bar and initiates the search, when the system processes the query, then it returns all archived victory entries whose descriptions contain the keyword (case-insensitive) and orders results by relevance.
Exact Phrase Search
Given a user encloses a phrase in quotation marks and initiates the search, when the system processes the query, then it returns only archived entries whose descriptions, badge names, or team names include the exact phrase (case-insensitive) with no partial matches.
Search Across Badge and Team Names
Given a user enters a term and initiates the search, when the system processes the query, then it returns archived entries where the term appears in badge titles or team names (case-insensitive) and includes those results alongside description matches.
Highlighting Matching Terms
Given search results are displayed, when entries include the searched keyword or phrase, then all occurrences of the term in descriptions, badge names, or team names are visually highlighted in the result list without altering other UI elements.
Auto-Completion Suggestions
Given a user types at least three characters into the search bar, when the system processes each keystroke, then it displays up to ten auto-completion suggestions based on the most popular matching queries and updates suggestions dynamically.
Exportable Reports
"As a team leader, I want to export archived victories into a report so that I can include them in performance reviews and team retrospectives."
Description

Allows users to generate and download retrospective reports in PDF or CSV formats, summarizing filtered archive data with charts and key metrics. Reports include customizable sections for performance review, team retrospectives, or presentations. This feature streamlines the creation of documentation and presentations based on historical team achievements.

Acceptance Criteria
Generate PDF Report with Default Settings
Given the user has selected the 'Exportable Reports' option and applied no custom settings, when they click the 'Download PDF' button, then a PDF file is downloaded within 5 seconds, named 'TeamSpark_Report_{timestamp}.pdf', containing the complete retrospective report with summary, charts, and key metrics based on current filters.
Customize Report Sections and Export CSV
Given the user has selected specific sections (e.g., 'Performance Review', 'Team Retrospective'), when they click 'Download CSV', then a CSV file is downloaded within 5 seconds, named 'TeamSpark_Report_{timestamp}.csv', including only the selected sections with proper column headers and data rows.
Apply Date and Team Filters Before Export
Given the user has applied date range and team filters on the archive lens, when they export the report in PDF or CSV format, then the downloaded report contains only entries that fall within the specified date range and selected teams.
Include Charts and Metrics in Exported Report
Given the user has opted to include visual charts, when exporting the report, then the PDF file contains embedded, correctly rendered charts (bar, line, pie) with appropriate legends and labels, and the CSV includes equivalent data tables for these charts.
Handle Empty Dataset Export Request
Given the user applies filters resulting in no data, when they attempt to export a report, then the system displays a notification 'No data available for the selected criteria' and disables the download button, preventing an empty file download.
Bookmark & Share Moments
"As a team member, I want to bookmark and share memorable moments from the archive so that I can celebrate and recognize my colleagues’ accomplishments."
Description

Lets users bookmark favorite archived victories and compile a personalized collection of memorable moments. Bookmarked entries can be shared via direct links or embedded in TeamSpark chat channels. This functionality promotes recognition and collaboration by making it easy to highlight and share standout achievements with colleagues.

Acceptance Criteria
Bookmark Victory Action
Given a user views an archived victory entry, When the user clicks the 'Bookmark' icon, Then the entry is added to their 'My Bookmarks' collection and a confirmation toast appears.
View Bookmarked Collection
Given a user navigates to the 'Bookmarks' tab, When they open the tab, Then all bookmarked entries are listed in reverse chronological order with pagination and filter options.
Share Bookmarked Entry via Direct Link
Given a user is viewing a bookmarked entry, When they click 'Share Link', Then a unique URL is generated, copied to clipboard, and a success notification is displayed.
Embed Bookmark in Chat Channel
Given a user selects 'Embed in Channel' on a bookmarked entry, When they choose a TeamSpark chat channel, Then a formatted message with entry details is posted in the selected channel.
Remove Bookmark from Collection
Given a user is viewing their bookmarks, When they click 'Remove' on an entry and confirm, Then the entry is removed from 'My Bookmarks' and the list updates accordingly.

Reaction Stream

Enables teammates to send live emoji, GIF, and sticker reactions directly within the Victory Board feed. These dynamic responses create an interactive celebration environment, fostering camaraderie and spontaneous peer-to-peer recognition.

Requirements

Instant Reaction Delivery
"As a remote team member, I want instantaneous delivery of emoji, GIF, or sticker reactions to the Victory Board feed so that I can celebrate my colleagues' achievements in real time."
Description

Enable team members to send emoji, GIF, and sticker reactions that appear instantaneously in the Victory Board feed without requiring a page refresh or manual update. Leveraging WebSocket-based push technology, the system will broadcast new reactions to all connected clients in real time, ensuring a lively and synchronized celebration experience. This capability fosters spontaneous recognition and camaraderie by eliminating delays and making every reaction count as it's made.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Emoji Reaction Broadcast
Given a user selects and sends an emoji reaction in the Victory Board feed, When the reaction is sent, Then it appears in the Victory Board feed of all connected clients within 200ms without requiring a page refresh.
Simultaneous GIF Reactions from Multiple Users
Given three or more users send GIF reactions within a five-second window, When each GIF is sent, Then all connected clients display each GIF in the correct chronological order without delay, loss, or duplication.
Sticker Reaction Delivery Under High Load
Given the system is processing 100 concurrent reaction events per minute, When a user sends a sticker reaction, Then the reaction is broadcast and displayed on all connected clients within 300ms and the system error rate remains below 1%.
Late Client Connection Sync
Given a client connects to the Victory Board feed after reactions have already been sent, When the connection is established, Then the client receives and displays all reactions from the past five minutes in the correct order.
WebSocket Connection Interruption and Recovery
Given a user's WebSocket connection is interrupted and then re-established within ten seconds, When the connection is restored, Then the client automatically resumes receiving new reactions and backfills any reactions missed during the downtime.
Integrated Reaction Library
"As a user, I want access to a searchable reaction library with default and custom content so that I can find and send the most appropriate reaction quickly."
Description

Provide a curated and extensible repository of reaction content, including a default set of emojis, popular GIFs, and stickers, as well as the ability for admins to add custom assets. The library will be organized into categories and support intuitive search and browsing, enabling users to quickly find the perfect reaction. Seamlessly integrated into the Reaction Stream UI, this repository ensures consistency, brand alignment, and user engagement through a rich variety of expressive content.

Acceptance Criteria
Default Reaction Library Availability
Given a user opens the Reaction Stream UI When they access the reaction library Then the default set of emojis, popular GIFs, and stickers is displayed and accessible
Admin Custom Asset Addition
Given an admin is on the reaction asset management page When they upload a valid custom emoji, GIF, or sticker file under the size limit Then the new asset is added to the selected category and becomes available to all users
Category Organization and Browsing
Given a user is browsing the reaction library When they select a category filter Then only reactions within that category are displayed in the library
Search Functionality in Reaction Library
Given a user enters a keyword in the reaction library search bar When the search is executed Then reactions whose names or tags match the keyword are returned sorted by relevance
UI Integration with Reaction Stream
Given a user selects a reaction from the library When they click Send Then the reaction appears in the Victory Board feed and is visible to all participants within two seconds
Animated Reaction Display
"As a user, I want reactions to animate smoothly when they appear so that the celebration feels dynamic and engaging."
Description

Animate incoming reactions in the Victory Board feed with visually appealing transitions such as fade-ins, pops, or slide-ins, and apply subtle motion effects when multiple reactions accumulate. The animation system will be configurable to balance performance and visual impact, ensuring smooth playback across desktop and mobile clients. By highlighting new reactions with engaging motion, the feature draws attention to peer recognition and enhances the celebratory atmosphere.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Reaction Animation on Desktop
Given a user sends an emoji reaction in the Victory Board feed on a desktop client, when the reaction arrives, then the animation plays with a smooth 300ms fade-in and pop effect scaling from 0.8× to 1.2×, ending at scale 1.0 with no dropped frames.
Multiple Reactions Animation Stacking
Given multiple reactions arrive within a 2-second window on any client, when they render, then each reaction displays with a staggered slide-in from the bottom-right with 100ms offset and groups into a stack with a subtle bounce once count exceeds five.
Animation Performance on Mobile
Given a user views the Victory Board feed on a resource-constrained mobile device, when reactions animate, then frame rate remains at or above 30fps and memory usage stays below 50MB per animation batch.
Configurable Animation Settings in Preferences
Given a manager accesses animation preferences, when they adjust animation intensity or disable animations, then changes apply immediately and subsequent reactions respect the new settings.
Animation Disabled Fallback
Given animations are disabled via user settings or low-performance mode, when a new reaction arrives, then the reaction displays instantly without animation and an entry is logged indicating animation was skipped.
Reaction Summary Widget
"As a team lead, I want a summary widget showing reaction counts and top emojis so that I can gauge team sentiment at a glance."
Description

Aggregate and display a real-time summary of all reactions received on each Victory Board entry, including reaction counts, top emojis, and recent responders. Presented as a compact overlay or dedicated panel, the widget provides at-a-glance insights into team sentiment and trending acknowledgments. Integration with existing analytics ensures data consistency, while clickable elements allow users to drill down into detailed reaction logs for deeper peer interaction and feedback.

Acceptance Criteria
Displaying Real-Time Reaction Summary
Given a Victory Board entry has received reactions When the user views the Reaction Summary Widget Then the widget displays total counts for each reaction type in real time
Highlighting Top Emojis
Given reactions have been sent to a Victory Board entry When the widget renders Then the three emojis with the highest counts are highlighted prominently
Recent Responders Drill-Down
Given a user clicks on the recent responders count When the detail pane opens Then it lists the last 10 unique users who reacted in descending chronological order with timestamps
Analytics Integration Consistency
Given the external analytics data source is available When aggregating reaction data Then the widget’s counts match the analytics dashboard within 1% discrepancy
Widget Responsive Design
Given the widget is displayed on various screen sizes When the viewport width changes from mobile to desktop Then the layout adjusts without truncating reaction counts or interactive elements
Reaction Moderation Controls
"As an administrator, I want moderation controls for reaction content so that I can maintain a positive and policy-compliant environment."
Description

Offer administrators and managers fine-grained controls to manage reaction content and user behavior, including the ability to disable GIFs or stickers for specific channels, remove inappropriate reactions, and set custom usage policies. An admin dashboard will expose moderation tools with audit trails and reporting capabilities, ensuring a safe and respectful environment. These controls help maintain the integrity of celebrations and uphold company culture standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Admin Disables GIFs for a Channel
Given an admin user with moderation privileges has navigated to the channel settings page and disables GIF reactions, When a team member attempts to post a GIF reaction in that channel, Then the system rejects the reaction and displays a notification 'GIF reactions are disabled for this channel', And an audit log entry is created recording the admin user, channel, action, and timestamp.
Removing Inappropriate Reactions
Given an admin selects an existing reaction flagged as inappropriate on the Victory Board feed, When they click the 'Remove Reaction' button and confirm the action, Then the reaction is immediately removed from all user views, And the user who posted the reaction receives a notification that their reaction was removed due to policy violation, And an audit log entry captures the reaction details, removal action, admin user, and timestamp.
Configuring Custom Reaction Usage Policy
Given an admin opens the 'Reaction Policy' settings in the moderation dashboard, When they create or update a custom policy specifying banned keywords, maximum reactions per day, or restricted reaction types, Then the system enforces the new policy on all subsequent reaction submissions across all channels, And any reaction violating the policy is automatically blocked with an explanatory message, And the policy change is recorded in the audit trail with details of the admin user, policy parameters, and timestamp.
Audit Trail Accessibility
Given an admin navigates to the audit trail section of the moderation dashboard, When they apply filters by date range, reaction type, or action (disable, remove, policy change), Then the system displays only the audit entries matching the filters with correct details including timestamp, admin user, target reaction, channel, and action performed, And exporting the filtered results to CSV yields a file with the same entries and column headers correctly labeled.
Moderator Role Restrictions
Given a manager assigned the 'Moderator' role accesses the moderation dashboard, When they attempt to disable sticker reactions for a channel, Then the system allows them to perform the action, But when they attempt to modify global usage policies or remove other managers' actions, Then the system denies the action with a 'Permission denied' notification, And any moderator-performed actions are logged in the audit trail with their user role and timestamp.

Theme Studio

Lets teams customize the Victory Board’s look and feel with pre-designed themes, color palettes, and animation styles. By aligning visual elements with company branding or special events, teams stay engaged and visually connected to their culture.

Requirements

Theme Selection Library
"As a remote team member, I want to browse and select from a library of pre-designed themes so that I can quickly align the Victory Board's look with our brand identity or event mood."
Description

Provide a library of pre-designed themes that align with company branding or special events, enabling teams to quickly browse, select, and apply a cohesive look and feel to the Victory Board without custom design work.

Acceptance Criteria
Browsing Theme Library
Given a user on the Theme Studio page When the page loads Then at least 20 pre-designed themes are displayed with name, thumbnail, and brief description and the list supports infinite scroll
Filtering Themes by Category
Given a user browsing themes When the user selects a category filter Then only themes matching the selected category are shown, and the total count reflects the filtered results
Previewing Theme Details
Given a user viewing the theme library When the user clicks the 'Preview' button on a theme Then a modal opens displaying full-size preview including animations, color palette details, and a close button
Applying Selected Theme
Given a user previewing a theme When the user clicks 'Apply Theme' Then the Victory Board updates in real time to reflect the new theme and shows a confirmation message 'Theme applied successfully'
Persisting Theme Selection Across Sessions
Given a user who has applied a theme When the user logs out and logs back in Then the previously selected theme remains applied on the Victory Board
Custom Color Palette Builder
"As a design lead, I want to create and save a custom color palette so that the Victory Board matches our official brand colors and maintains consistency in visual communications."
Description

Enable users to define and apply custom color palettes by selecting primary, secondary, and accent colors, ensuring the Victory Board reflects unique brand guidelines and enhances visual consistency across the team’s interface.

Acceptance Criteria
Palette Creation Initiation
Given a user on the Custom Color Palette Builder page When the user selects a primary, secondary, and accent color Then the system displays those colors in a live preview panel and enables the “Save Palette” button
Palette Preview Verification
Given a user has defined colors in the palette builder When the user clicks the “Preview on Victory Board” option Then the Victory Board UI updates to reflect the selected custom palette within 2 seconds
Palette Persistence After Save
Given a user has successfully previewed a custom palette When the user clicks “Save Palette” Then the custom palette is saved to the user’s profile and persists across sessions and page reloads
Default Palette Reset
Given a user with a saved custom palette When the user clicks the “Reset to Default” button Then the palette builder and Victory Board revert to the system’s default color palette and the custom palette is flagged as inactive
Invalid Color Input Handling
Given a user enters an invalid hex code or out-of-range RGB value When the user attempts to apply the color Then the system displays a validation error message and disables the “Save Palette” button until corrected
Animation Style Picker
"As a team coordinator, I want to choose different animation styles for victory celebrations so that I can match the energy and tone of our team’s culture and event themes."
Description

Offer a range of animation styles and transition effects for victory animations, allowing teams to choose motion dynamics that suit their culture and event context, enhancing engagement through visual feedback.

Acceptance Criteria
Selecting Animation Style from Theme Studio
Given the manager opens the Animation Style Picker When they select an animation style and click Save Then the selected style is applied to all subsequent victory animations on the Victory Board
Previewing Animation Styles
Given the user selects an animation style in the picker When they click the Preview button Then the system displays a live preview of the animation within 2 seconds at the correct frame rate
Persisting Animation Selections across Sessions
Given the user has saved an animation style preference When they log out and then log back in Then the previously selected animation style is automatically applied by default
Default Animation Restoration
Given the user has changed the animation style When they click the Reset to Default button Then the system restores and applies the original default animation style
Applying Animation to Special Events
Given a special event theme is active on the Victory Board When the user selects an event-specific animation style Then the victory animation uses the selected style together with the event’s color palette and branding assets
Branding Assets Upload
"As a marketing manager, I want to upload our company logo and event images so that they appear on the Victory Board and reinforce our brand during team celebrations."
Description

Allow administrators to upload custom logos, background images, and other branding assets, automatically integrating them into selected themes to reinforce company identity and event-specific visuals.

Acceptance Criteria
Upload Custom Logo
Given the administrator is on the Branding Assets Upload page and selects a supported logo file (PNG/JPG, ≤2MB), When they click 'Upload', Then the system stores the logo, displays a success message, and shows the logo in the preview panel.
Upload Background Image
Given the administrator chooses a background image file (PNG/JPG, ≤5MB), When they confirm the upload, Then the image is saved, applied to the selected theme's background, and visible in the theme preview.
Validation of File Format and Size
Given the administrator attempts to upload a file outside allowed formats or exceeding size limits, When they initiate the upload, Then the system rejects the file with an error message specifying allowed formats and maximum size.
Automatic Theme Integration
Given a new branding asset has been successfully uploaded, When the administrator applies a theme, Then the uploaded asset is automatically integrated into the theme's designated slots without additional configuration.
Replace Existing Branding Asset
Given an existing asset is in use and the administrator uploads a new asset for the same slot, When the upload completes, Then the new asset replaces the old one in all associated themes and previews, and the previous asset is archived.
Live Theme Preview
"As a product owner, I want to preview theme changes in real-time so that I can validate the look and feel before publishing the new design to my team."
Description

Implement a real-time preview mode where users can see and interact with their selected theme, color choices, and animations before applying them, reducing configuration errors and improving confidence in final appearance.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Theme Adjustment Preview
Given a user selects a theme component (e.g., header color) in the Theme Studio, When the user adjusts the color slider or picker, Then the Victory Board preview updates immediately to reflect the new color without page reload.
Animation Style Interaction Preview
Given a user chooses an animation style for the Victory Board items, When the user hovers over or clicks on the preview elements, Then the selected animation plays in the preview area exactly as it will appear live.
Color Palette Selection Preview
Given a user selects a predefined color palette from the Theme Studio library, When the palette is applied, Then all preview elements update to display the new palette and maintain contrast ratios as per WCAG guidelines.
Preview Accuracy After Save
Given a user applies and saves the selected theme settings, When the user reopens the Theme Studio, Then the preview area displays the saved settings exactly as applied.
Responsive Preview on Different Devices
Given a user toggles between desktop, tablet, and mobile preview modes, When the mode is switched, Then the preview area resizes and displays the theme correctly for each device form factor without distortion.
Theme Sharing and Versioning
"As a team administrator, I want to share and version custom themes with colleagues so that we can collaboratively refine designs and revert to earlier versions if needed."
Description

Provide functionality to save, share, and version custom themes among team members, enabling collaboration on design configurations and rollback to previous versions for consistency and iterative design.

Acceptance Criteria
Saving a New Custom Theme
Given a user has customized theme settings and provided a unique theme name When the user clicks 'Save Theme' Then the system persists the theme with correct design attributes, name, and timestamp in the team's theme library
Sharing a Theme with Team Members
Given a saved custom theme exists When the user selects 'Share Theme' and chooses one or more team members Then those members receive a notification and the shared theme appears in their theme library with view access
Versioning Themes on Update
Given an existing shared theme When a user edits the theme and clicks 'Save as New Version' Then the system creates a new version entry with incremented version number and retains all previous versions
Rollback to Previous Theme Version
Given a theme has multiple saved versions When a user selects 'Rollback' on a specific version Then that version becomes active, the design updates accordingly, and a new version entry logs the rollback event
Viewing Theme Version History
Given a user accesses a shared theme When the user opens 'Version History' Then the system displays a chronological list of all versions with version number, author, date, and change summary

ShareCard Export

Generates polished, shareable celebration cards for each victory, allowing one-click exports to Slack, Microsoft Teams, email, or social channels. Streamlined sharing amplifies recognition beyond the board and reinforces a culture of celebration across multiple platforms.

Requirements

Multi-Platform Export
"As a remote manager, I want to share celebration cards directly to various communication platforms from within TeamSpark so that I can quickly recognize achievements without switching apps."
Description

Enable users to export celebration ShareCards with a single click to Slack, Microsoft Teams, email, and major social media channels. This functionality should package the card in the correct format for each platform and initiate the appropriate API calls or link generation to share seamlessly, ensuring consistent styling and branding across channels.

Acceptance Criteria
Slack Export Scenario
Given a user views a completed ShareCard and clicks the 'Export to Slack' button When the user grants or has existing valid Slack permissions Then the system posts the ShareCard with correct image resolution, message text, and branding into the selected Slack channel and displays a 'Shared to Slack' confirmation within 2 seconds.
Microsoft Teams Export Scenario
Given a user selects 'Export to Microsoft Teams' on a finalized ShareCard When the user authenticates (if not already connected) Then the system sends the card using the Teams API to the chosen channel or chat, retaining styling and attachments, and provides a success notification within 3 seconds.
Email Export Scenario
Given a user chooses 'Send via Email' for a ShareCard When the user enters one or more valid email addresses and clicks 'Send' Then the system generates an email with the ShareCard image embedded or attached, subject line prefilled with celebration context, and delivers it to recipients, logging the send status as 'Delivered' within 5 seconds.
Social Media Export Scenario
Given a user clicks 'Share to Social Media' on a completed ShareCard When the user selects a platform (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) and authenticates (if required) Then the system opens or calls the platform’s share endpoint with prefilled post text and attached card image, and confirms successful share via an in-app message.
Branding Consistency Scenario
Given a user exports a ShareCard to any supported channel When the export completes Then the exported card matches the in-app preview with company colors, fonts, logos, and layout within a 5% pixel variance margin and passes automated branding verification tests.
Customizable Card Templates
"As a team member, I want to personalize celebration cards with our company branding and preferred styles so that shared recognitions align with our team’s visual identity."
Description

Provide a template editor allowing users to select and customize ShareCard layouts, colors, and messaging. Users should be able to upload logos, choose fonts, and apply theme presets. The system should store user preferences for reuse and ensure exported cards reflect custom branding.

Acceptance Criteria
User selects and customizes a ShareCard template
Given the user opens the template editor and selects a base layout; When the layout is chosen; Then the preview updates to display the selected structure; When the user modifies theme colors; Then the preview reflects the new colors immediately; When the user saves the template; Then the customized layout and colors are stored in user preferences
User uploads a company logo to a ShareCard
Given the user clicks 'Upload Logo'; When a valid image file is selected; Then the logo displays correctly in the preview at appropriate resolution; When an unsupported file type or size is uploaded; Then an error message is shown and upload is blocked; When the user saves the template; Then the logo remains attached and appears in subsequent previews
User chooses and applies custom fonts and colors
Given the user opens the font selector; When a font is chosen; Then the preview updates to render text in the selected font; Given the user enters a custom hex color code; When the code is applied; Then the preview updates to use the exact color; When the user saves changes; Then both font and color choices persist in the template settings
User saves and reuses custom branding presets
Given the user applies custom layout, colors, fonts, and logo; When they click 'Save as Preset'; Then a new preset entry appears in their presets list; When the user selects a saved preset; Then the editor loads all associated custom settings immediately; When a preset is deleted; Then it is removed from the list and cannot be applied
Exported ShareCard reflects user’s custom branding
Given the user has a customized template; When they export to Slack, Teams, email, or social channel; Then the card matches the selected layout, logo, fonts, and colors exactly; When the exported card is previewed on each platform; Then all custom elements render without distortion
Communication API Integration Framework
"As a developer, I want a robust integration layer for each sharing platform so that card exports are reliable and maintainable."
Description

Implement a modular integration layer to connect with Slack, Microsoft Teams, SMTP email services, and social media APIs (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn). The framework must handle authentication, rate limiting, and error responses, providing clear logs for troubleshooting integration issues.

Acceptance Criteria
Slack Export Authentication
Given a valid Slack OAuth token, when a user initiates a ShareCard export to Slack, then the system posts the card to the specified channel within 5 seconds and logs the HTTP 200 response; if authentication fails, the system returns a descriptive error message and records the failure in the integration log.
Microsoft Teams Rate Limiting
Given the Teams API rate limits are reached, when the system sends a ShareCard export, then it implements exponential backoff retry logic up to three attempts and logs each retry event with timestamps and error codes; upon exceeding retries, it surfaces a user-friendly notification.
SMTP Email Error Handling
Given an email address for a team member, when the system sends a ShareCard via SMTP, then it delivers the email with correct card formatting and subject line; if the SMTP server returns an error (4xx or 5xx), the system retries once, logs the failure details, and notifies the sender of the delivery issue.
Twitter API Post Success
Given valid Twitter API credentials, when a user selects Twitter for ShareCard export, then the system publishes the post with the card image and caption under 280 characters; the system confirms the tweet ID in the logs and displays a success confirmation to the user.
LinkedIn Post Logging
Given a ShareCard share request to LinkedIn, when the API call completes (success or failure), then the system records the request payload, response status code, and timestamp in the integration logs and updates the UI status indicator accordingly.
Preview & Approval Workflow
"As a manager, I want to preview and approve celebration cards before they’re shared externally so that I ensure messaging accuracy and appropriateness."
Description

Develop an in-app preview pane where users can review the ShareCard appearance before export. Include an optional approval step for managers to sign off on cards. Upon approval, the system should queue the export and notify the user of completion.

Acceptance Criteria
Preview Display Accuracy
Given the user has entered celebration details and selected a template, When the user opens the preview pane, Then the ShareCard renders the correct text, images, colors, fonts, and layout exactly as per design specifications and user inputs.
Manager Approval Workflow Initiation
Given a ShareCard requires manager approval, When the sender clicks "Submit for Approval", Then the system creates a pending approval task and sends a notification to the designated manager with the card details.
Approval Rejection Handling
Given a manager reviews a pending approval card, When the manager selects "Reject" and provides feedback, Then the system sends a rejection notification to the sender including feedback comments and unlocks the card for edits.
Post-Approval Export Queueing
Given a ShareCard has been approved by the manager, When approval is recorded, Then the system queues the card for export and notifies the sender that export is scheduled.
Export Execution and User Notification
Given a ShareCard is queued for export, When the export process runs, Then the card is delivered to the selected channel (Slack, Teams, Email, or social) and the sender receives a confirmation notification with export details.
Export Performance Optimization
"As a user, I want quick export times so that I can acknowledge achievements promptly without waiting."
Description

Optimize image rendering and API interaction to ensure exports complete within 3 seconds for typical card sizes. Utilize asynchronous processing and queuing to prevent UI blocking and provide status feedback to the user.

Acceptance Criteria
Standard Card Export Completion
Given a typical card size (width ≤ 800px, height ≤ 600px), when the user initiates the export, then the generated image is fully rendered and available for download within 3 seconds.
Asynchronous Processing and UI Responsiveness
Given the user starts an export, when the export runs asynchronously, then the application UI remains fully responsive with no blocking of buttons or navigation.
Export Queue Handling for Multiple Exports
Given the user triggers multiple exports in quick succession (up to 5 concurrent requests), then the exports are queued and processed in FIFO order, each completing within 3 seconds of its processing start.
Export Status Feedback Display
Given an export is in progress, when the export begins, then a visual progress indicator is displayed; upon success, a completion notification appears; upon failure, an error notification with a retry option is shown.
High Network Latency Export Performance
Given simulated network latency of up to 200ms per API call, when the user exports a typical card, then the total export duration remains under 3 seconds.
Error Handling & Retry Mechanism
"As a product owner, I want reliable exports with automated retries and clear failure reporting so that sharing disruptions are minimized and issues can be diagnosed easily."
Description

Implement robust error detection for failed exports and API calls. Provide clear user notifications on failures and an automatic retry mechanism with exponential backoff. Log failures for administrator review and include actionable error messages in the UI.

Acceptance Criteria
Export Failure Notification
Given the user attempts to export a ShareCard and the API call fails with a 500 error; When the failure is detected; Then the UI displays a clear error message 'Export failed. Please try again or contact support.' and shows a Retry button.
Automatic Retry with Exponential Backoff
Given an export operation fails due to a network timeout; When the retry mechanism is triggered; Then the system automatically retries the export up to 3 times with intervals of 1s, 2s, and 4s; And stops retrying after the final attempt if failures persist.
Administrator Failure Logging
Given an export or API failure occurs; When the error is caught; Then the system logs the error details (timestamp, user ID, error code, payload) to the administrator dashboard or log storage.
Actionable Error Messages
Given an error occurs during export; When the UI presents the error; Then the message provides guidance like 'Check your network connection or try again later' and includes a link to support documentation.
Manual Retry via UI
Given a previous export failure; When the user clicks the Retry button; Then the system re-initiates the export process immediately and displays progress indicators.

Product Ideas

Innovative concepts that could enhance this product's value proposition.

Spark Roulette

Randomly pair two remote teammates daily for quick 3-minute challenges, breaking ice and forging fresh bonds with surprise prompts.

Idea

Badge Bazaar

Let teammates spend earned points on unique digital badges in a peer-run marketplace, boosting recognition through fun, customizable rewards.

Idea

Story Sprint

Launch a timed, multi-user story relay where each person adds one sentence in 2 minutes, sparking creativity and shared laughs.

Idea

Mood Meter

Prompt daily emoji check-ins with custom tags, delivering real-time pulse data and tailored challenge suggestions based on team mood.

Idea

Victory Board

Display a live, wall-style feed of individual and team milestones, celebrating wins with instant badges and animated confetti bursts.

Idea

Press Coverage

Imagined press coverage for this groundbreaking product concept.

P

TeamSpark Launches Innovative Platform to Energize Remote Team Engagement

Imagined Press Article

Cityville, 2025-07-31 – TeamSpark, the leading provider of gamified remote team engagement solutions, today announced the official launch of its comprehensive platform designed to transform remote work culture into an environment of dynamic collaboration and recognition. By combining daily curated challenges, instant peer recognition, and real-time analytics, TeamSpark empowers managers and HR leaders to cultivate meaningful connections among distributed teams, boost morale, and drive measurable increases in productivity and retention. As more organizations embrace hybrid and fully remote work models, maintaining team cohesion and a strong company culture has become a critical challenge. TeamSpark addresses this gap with a suite of interactive features that turn routine workdays into opportunities for camaraderie and celebration. Users participate in daily gamified challenges crafted to spark conversation, creativity, and mutual support. From quick icebreakers to mission-based tasks, each challenge is built to foster genuine relationships and surface hidden talents within teams. “Remote teams deserve the same sense of belonging and engagement as their in-office counterparts,” said Alexandria Rivera, CEO and Co-Founder of TeamSpark. “We built TeamSpark to bridge the physical distance that often undercuts interpersonal connections. Our mission is to energize every workday with moments of recognition and fun, so colleagues rally around shared accomplishments and feel truly valued.” Key capabilities of the TeamSpark platform include: • Smart Scheduler: Automatically aligns daily pairings across time zones, ensuring every team member can join challenges at optimal times without manual coordination. • Dynamic Pairing Algorithm: Utilizes artificial intelligence to recommend fresh pairings, encouraging interaction between teammates who rarely collaborate and promoting inclusivity. • Streak Tracker: Monitors participation streaks and rewards consistency with badges and leaderboard placements, cultivating friendly competition and sustained involvement. • Challenge Replay: Lets participants revisit and replay favorite prompts, turning memorable team-building moments into repeatable experiences. • TrendTracker and Mood Heatmap: Deliver real-time insights into team sentiment trends and identify periods of high stress or positivity, enabling proactive leadership interventions and wellness initiatives. Pilot programs conducted over the past six months demonstrated a 42% increase in overall engagement metrics for distributed teams using TeamSpark, with participating managers reporting a 30% reduction in voluntary turnover. Analytical dashboards provided actionable insights, allowing HR analysts to pinpoint engagement gaps and tailor challenges that resonated with their team’s unique culture and preferences. “Working remotely can feel isolating,” said Marketing Manager Suresh Patel, an early adopter of TeamSpark during the pilot phase. “TeamSpark’s daily challenges break down walls. On a recent Prompt Customizer mission, I learned something new about every member of my eight-person team. The shared laughter and high-fives, even through video calls, made us feel like we were right next to each other.” Beyond daily interactions, TeamSpark integrates seamlessly with leading collaboration platforms including Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, ensuring that challenges, recognition highlights, and analytics feed directly into tools teams already use. This streamlined experience minimizes disruption and drives adoption, allowing organizations to accelerate engagement without additional training overhead. Looking ahead, TeamSpark is committed to continuous innovation. Upcoming releases this fall will include Auction Arena—a live, points-based marketplace for limited-edition badges—and enhanced Workspace Insights that deliver predictive recommendations for challenge themes based on team performance and mood data. About TeamSpark TeamSpark is a next-generation engagement platform designed to energize remote and hybrid teams through gamified challenges, peer recognition, and data-driven insights. Trusted by forward-thinking technology, creative, and distributed organizations around the world, TeamSpark fosters authentic relationships, strengthens culture, and drives measurable outcomes in engagement and retention. To learn more, visit www.teamspark.com. Media Contact: Jane Doe Public Relations Manager, TeamSpark Email: press@teamspark.com Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567

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TeamSpark Unveils Auction Arena to Elevate Peer Recognition and Drive Friendly Competition

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Cityville, 2025-07-31 – TeamSpark today announced the launch of Auction Arena, a groundbreaking feature that transforms peer recognition into an interactive, competitive experience while preserving transparency and fairness. With Auction Arena, team members can bid earned engagement points on limited-edition badges in a real-time marketplace environment, intensifying excitement around recognition and fostering a culture of achievement. Peer-to-peer recognition has long been recognized as a critical driver of employee engagement and retention. However, many traditional badge systems lack dynamism, leading to stagnation in participation. Auction Arena reimagines the badge economy by introducing a live bidding system where users vie for exclusive rewards, creating a sense of urgency and value around each recognition opportunity. How Auction Arena Works • Badge Catalog: Administrators curate a selection of themed badges—such as Innovation Icon, Team MVP, and Wellness Warrior—available for auction at scheduled intervals. • Points Bidding: Participants use points earned through daily challenges, peer kudos, and streak achievements to place bids on their desired badges. • Real-Time Auction: Bids update instantaneously, and a live leaderboard displays current highest offers, encouraging friendly rivalry and strategic bidding. • Transparent Outcomes: Once the auction closes, winners receive the badge directly in their profile, while participants are notified of final bid standings, ensuring clarity and accountability. “Recognition should feel rewarding and exciting,” said Maya Thompson, Product Manager at TeamSpark. “Auction Arena introduces game mechanics that energize the recognition process. Teammates experience the thrill of competition while celebrating meaningful milestones together.” Key Benefits • Enhanced Engagement: Live bidding drives active participation as users check the auction status, place counterbids, and eagerly anticipate results. • Improved Visibility: Auction Arena highlights high-impact achievements in real time, amplifying recognition throughout the organization. • Strategic Point Economy: By allocating points to bid versus saving for other rewards, users engage in deeper planning and investment in the recognition ecosystem. • Inclusive Celebration: Auction Arena’s transparent bidding system ensures that recognition is accessible to all, regardless of role or location, reinforcing a sense of fair play. Beta Testing Success During the closed beta period, over 2,000 users across five multinational companies participated in weekly auctions. Data collected from the pilot revealed: • 55% increase in badge redemption compared to standard award cycles. • 48% uptick in daily logins, as users returned to track their bids and participate in auctions. • 90% of participants reported that Auction Arena made them feel more connected to colleagues and company goals. One beta participant, Global Sales Director Elena Martinez, shared her experience: “Auction Arena turned recognition into a team event. We saw spirited bidding wars over our custom ‘Deal Closer’ badge, and it sparked conversations about best practices and success stories. It was more than just a badge—it was a reason to highlight our wins and plan our next moves.” Integration and Accessibility Auction Arena integrates seamlessly into the existing TeamSpark environment. Administrators can schedule auctions, manage badge inventories, and view performance metrics through an intuitive dashboard. Users access the auction module effortlessly within the TeamSpark app or through integrations with Slack and Microsoft Teams. To ensure accessibility, Auction Arena supports multiple languages and inclusive design standards. Real-time notifications, mobile-friendly bidding interfaces, and audio cues for bid updates guarantee that all team members can participate regardless of device or ability. Availability Auction Arena is available immediately to all TeamSpark Enterprise and Pro customers. Organizations can enroll in a free 30-day trial by visiting the TeamSpark website or contacting their account representative. About TeamSpark TeamSpark is a pioneering remote engagement platform that leverages gamified challenges, peer recognition, and advanced analytics to help organizations build vibrant, connected cultures. Trusted by companies around the globe, TeamSpark delivers measurable improvements in team morale, collaboration, and retention. For more information, visit www.teamspark.com. Media Contact: Jane Doe Public Relations Manager, TeamSpark Email: press@teamspark.com Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567

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TeamSpark Introduces Instant Video Connect for Seamless Face-to-Face Remote Collaboration

Imagined Press Article

Cityville, 2025-07-31 – TeamSpark, the leader in gamified remote team engagement, today announced the release of Instant Video Connect, a feature that enables one-click, three-minute video interactions for daily Spark Roulette pairings. This integration with popular conferencing platforms eliminates setup friction and creates authentic face-to-face moments designed to deepen connections and foster trust among remote teammates. Remote work landscapes often suffer from limited personal interaction, which can hinder rapport building and diminish the informal conversations that occur naturally in office settings. Instant Video Connect addresses this by embedding video calls directly within the TeamSpark challenge flow. After users are paired for Spark Roulette—the platform’s signature daily matching feature—they click a single button to launch a brief video call using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, depending on their organization’s preferences. “Meaningful remote interactions are the cornerstone of any thriving distributed team,” said David Chung, Chief Technology Officer at TeamSpark. “Instant Video Connect was developed to capture the spontaneity of hallway chats or coffee-break catchups, making it effortless for colleagues to put a face to a name, share quick updates, or simply enjoy a moment of human connection.” Feature Highlights • One-Click Access: No more copying links or scheduling calls—once matched, participants join a three-minute video session instantly. • Multi-Platform Support: Seamless integration with industry-leading video conferencing tools ensures compatibility with existing IT policies and security protocols. • Timed Sessions: A visible countdown timer keeps calls concise, encouraging focused but relaxed conversations without derailing work schedules. • Automatic Logging: Participation data is captured in TeamSpark’s analytics dashboard, allowing HR leaders to track video interaction rates and measure their impact on engagement metrics. During the beta phase, over 3,500 users participated in Instant Video Connect sessions. Early feedback indicated a 60% increase in perceived team cohesion and a 25% reduction in reported feelings of isolation. Users praised the simplicity of the one-click experience and the energizing effect of even short face-to-face interactions. “Instant Video Connect is a game-changer,” said Beta Tester and Remote Team Lead Helena Suzuki. “I’ve had ten quick chats this week—about weekend plans, project hurdles, and personal interests. These moments have brought our team closer together, and I see more collaboration and openness in every meeting since.” Implementation and Security TeamSpark has prioritized security and compliance by ensuring that Instant Video Connect adheres to enterprise-grade encryption and authentication standards. Administrators maintain full control over which conferencing platforms are authorized, and all video call data is processed in accordance with GDPR and CCPA requirements. Detailed usage logs and audit trails further support governance and reporting needs. Instant Video Connect is accessible through the TeamSpark web and desktop applications. Mobile support will follow in the next quarter, enabling on-the-go connections for distributed teams in varying time zones and regions. Future Roadmap Building on the success of Instant Video Connect, TeamSpark plans to roll out AI-driven conversation prompts for video sessions, offering live suggestions to help participants initiate meaningful dialogue and avoid awkward silences. Additional enhancements will include automated meeting summaries and sentiment analysis to capture key takeaways from each interaction. About TeamSpark TeamSpark is a next-generation engagement platform that energizes remote and hybrid teams through gamified challenges, peer recognition, and data-driven insights. Trusted by innovative companies worldwide, TeamSpark transforms routine workdays into opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration. For more information, visit www.teamspark.com. Media Contact: Jane Doe Public Relations Manager, TeamSpark Email: press@teamspark.com Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567

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