spike

To resolve unknowns blocking pipeline progress, run a timeboxed spike that requires a concrete investigation question, a scoped done condition, and explicit outcome options to guide subsequent decisions.

A spike investigation is a timeboxed research method that resolves genuine unknowns by prompting a concrete question, defined scope, and done condition to determine whether to proceed, redesign, or defer.

Structure a timeboxed investigation by defining a concrete spike question, setting a scoped done condition, and selecting from explicit outcome options to produce a clear, actionable artefact that unblocks delivery.

You defer, redesign, or proceed after a spike outcome based on whether the timeboxed investigation resolved the unknowns sufficiently to continue current plans, require a new approach, or postpone the work.

Yes, you need a defined done condition before starting a spike because the timeboxed investigation requires a clearly scoped question and explicit outcome options to produce a decisive and actionable result.

Pipeline reviews encounter unknowns that cause rework when investigations lack a structured outcome artefact, making it necessary to apply timeboxed spikes with concrete questions and explicit decisions to reduce subsequent rework.