Spike

Definition of a Spike:

Spike is the name for a timeboxed user story or Task that is created in order to research a question or resolve a problem. Spikes focus on gathering information and finding answers to a questions, rather than producing a shippable product.

Synonyms for a Spike:

Proof of Concept, PoC, Research Spike

Use of Spikes:

A Spike is created when a user story or task cannot be estimated well enough until the team has done further research or investigation. The result of a spike is an estimate for the original user story so that the sprint can move forward.

Benefits of Spikes:

• Enable the team to make more accurate and reliable user stories.
• Increase the team’s understanding of a user story or PBI requirement.
• Reduce waste.