Feature

A feature is a distinct capability or characteristic that provides value to users or other stakeholders.

It can group several related requirements. Therefore, it connects high-level product goals with detailed backlog items.

For example, Account Management may include viewing balances, changing account details, and closing accounts. In agile development, teams often divide a feature into smaller user stories.

In product-line engineering, features can describe common and variable capabilities. Mandatory elements appear in every product. In contrast, optional elements appear only in selected variants. Moreover, dependencies can require or exclude specific combinations.

Teams evaluate these capabilities according to value, cost, risk, and urgency. However, each description should focus on the expected outcome rather than a technical solution.

Clear features support stakeholder communication, product planning, prioritization, and requirements organization.