Feature Creep
Feature creep is a project management phenomenon where the scope of a project gradually expands beyond its original objectives, often through the addition of new features or requirements during development. It typically occurs without corresponding adjustments to timelines, budgets, or resources, leading to inefficiencies and potential project failure. This concept is critical in software development, product management, and agile methodologies as it impacts delivery and quality.
Developers should learn about feature creep to recognize and mitigate its effects, ensuring projects stay focused and deliverable. It is particularly relevant in agile environments where iterative feedback can lead to scope expansion, and in startups where market pressures may drive unnecessary feature additions. Understanding feature creep helps in maintaining project viability, reducing technical debt, and improving team productivity by avoiding over-engineering.