Spike
A short research task with a fixed time limit, used to learn enough to make a confident plan before committing to full development.
What it is
A spike is a deliberate investigation. Instead of building the whole feature, the team spends a small amount of time answering key unknowns, testing an approach, or comparing options.
When you would use it
You use a spike when the next step is unclear and you need facts before choosing a direction.
Common operations
- Checking technical feasibility
- Comparing implementation options
- Reducing uncertainty before a project starts
Related terms
Where this is taught
No learning path uses this term yet. Browse the Learning Atlas for guided sequences through related ideas.