The Role of Discovery Epics and Spikes in Agile Software Development

Luke Pivac
Agile | Adapt
Published in
3 min readApr 20, 2024

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Spikes are to user stories, as discoveries are to epics.

In the world of software development, Agile stands out for its flexibility, iterative approach, and focus on collaboration and customer feedback.

Spikes and Discoveries can be powerful methods for Agile Planning

Two key concepts within Agile are ‘Discovery Epics’ and ‘Spikes,’ both of which serve to streamline the development process and ensure that the team delivers high-quality, valuable software to the customer.

Discovery Epics: Navigating the Unknown

A Discovery Epic is essentially a large-scale research initiative aimed at understanding the broader aspects of a problem or opportunity before diving into potential solutions.

It’s a strategic approach used by Agile teams to validate assumptions, identify risks, and gather insights that will guide the design and development phases.

By engaging in a Discovery Epic, teams can significantly reduce unplanned work, minimize the need for rework, and ensure that all stakeholders share a common understanding of the project’s goals and value proposition.

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Luke Pivac
Agile | Adapt

An experienced delivery leader - helping teams succeed by using an adaptive-mindset. Thought-leader and published author. PSM-1, MSP5, ICP-ATF, ICP-APM, ICP-DAS