What is the primary purpose of user stories in an Agile setting?

User stories serve as a fundamental component in Agile methodologies by representing the user's perspective and needs. They are brief, simple descriptions of a feature told from the viewpoint of the end-user or customer, often structured to capture who the user is, what they want, and why they want it. This approach helps ensure that the development team prioritizes the delivery of value to users by focusing on their requirements and experiences.

By concentrating on the user's needs, user stories facilitate communication and collaboration among team members. They foster a clear understanding of what features are most important, aiding the team in making informed decisions regarding functionality and prioritization. This ensures that the end product meets user expectations and enhances overall satisfaction.

In contrast, outlining system architecture, providing coding guidelines, and managing team timelines are relevant aspects of software development but do not encapsulate the primary goal of user stories. Each of those areas may support the development process, yet they lack the essential user-centric focus that user stories strive to achieve.