Spike

A time-boxed investigation or research activity, named by XP and adopted across frameworks.

Used to reduce uncertainty before committing to implementation. Spikes are themselves PBIs or Enabler Stories. Output is typically knowledge, not shippable code.

Across the Frameworks

Scrum

Informal

Widely used, not framework-defined.

SAFe

Native

*Exploration Enabler* / *Spike*

LeSS

Informal

Used colloquially, not framework-defined.

Nexus

Informal

Used colloquially, not framework-defined.

Related Terms

Enabler Exploration Enabler

Present in Scrum, SAFe, LeSS, Nexus.