Features: Above or Below Epics?

In the world of Agile project management, the hierarchy of work items is crucial for effective planning and execution. Two terms that often come up in this context are “epics” and “features”. But which comes first? And how do they relate to other Agile concepts?

Let’s delve into these questions.

What comes above epic?

In many Agile frameworks, particularly the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), the hierarchy typically starts with a theme or initiative at the very top. These are large focus areas or strategic objectives that drive the direction of product development. Directly below these are epics, which are big chunks of work that can span multiple sprints or even releases.

Do features come before epics?

No, features do not come before epics. In the Agile hierarchy, epics are above features. An epic is a large user story that cannot be completed in a single sprint. It’s a high-level requirement that often encompasses multiple features. Features, on the other hand, are smaller than epics but larger than user stories. They represent a functionality that delivers value to the user and can typically be completed in a few sprints.

What is the epics and features hierarchy?

The hierarchy in most Agile frameworks, from top to bottom, is as follows:

1. Theme or Initiative
2. Epic
3. Feature
4. User Story
5. Task

Epics are broad objectives or goals, while features are specific functionalities that contribute to the realization of an epic. User stories break down features into more granular, actionable items, and tasks are the smallest unit of work, detailing the steps needed to complete a user story.

Which is higher: epic or feature?

Epic is higher than a feature in the Agile hierarchy. Think of an epic as a book and features as its chapters. Each chapter (feature) contributes to the overall narrative (epic).

Is epic higher than feature?

Yes, as reiterated, an epic is higher than a feature. It’s essential to understand this hierarchy as it helps teams prioritise work, allocate resources effectively, and ensure alignment with broader organisational goals.

What are features in agile?

In Agile, a feature is a distinct piece of functionality that delivers value to the end-users. It’s more significant than a user story but smaller than an epic. Features provide a higher-level view of what needs to be developed, and they can be broken down into multiple user stories for development and implementation. For instance, if you’re developing a mobile app, a feature might be “user registration,” while user stories under this feature could include “sign up with email,” “sign up with social media,” etc.

To ensure that features and epics are well-defined and ready for development, it’s crucial to have clear criteria. The Definition of Ready: A Game Changer in Agile Projects provides an excellent overview of this concept. Moreover, for teams looking to adopt this principle, the Definition of Ready Template can be a valuable resource.

Similarly, once a feature or any work item is developed, it’s vital to ensure it meets specific criteria before it’s considered complete. The Importance of the ‘Definition of Done’ in Agile sheds light on this concept, ensuring that teams deliver quality work consistently. Teams can also benefit from the Definition of Done Template to establish a shared understanding of what “done” truly means.

In conclusion, understanding the hierarchy of work items in Agile, especially the relationship between epics and features, is fundamental for effective project management.

By ensuring clarity at each level, teams can align their efforts with broader organisational objectives, ensuring that they deliver maximum value to users and stakeholders.