spike-investigation

Timeboxed spikes are small, focused experiments used in agile development to validate technical unknowns and design gaps before committing to full implementation, producing concrete proof to guide decisions.

To de-risk technical unknowns, run timeboxed spikes to gather evidence, then mitigate findings by patching gaps, declaring out-of-bounds areas, or cutting scope based on concrete proof from the experiment.

Identify rabbit holes in shaped work by systematically assessing potential risks and interdependencies, then choosing to patch, declare out-of-bounds, cut scope, or execute a timeboxed spike to validate the uncertain area.

Use a spike instead of cutting scope when the technical unknown or interdependency has high potential value and can be validated through a timeboxed experiment, whereas cutting scope is preferred when the risk outweighs the benefit.

Yes, you can run a proof of concept spike for an API integration to confirm feasibility within an allocated time, gathering concrete proof to prevent schedule blow-ups before committing to full development.

Yes, spike investigation aligns with Shape Up principles by integrating risk assessment and mitigation strategies into the shaping process, ensuring technical unknowns are validated with evidence before the betting phase.