Do You Find Agile Epics a Fuzzy Concept? Here’s A Guide.

Do You Find Agile Epics a Fuzzy Concept? Here’s Your Cheat Sheet

For many it might seem that Agile has some pretty confusing and frankly odd terminology. If you feel included in this group, let us give you a hand. In this article we give you some clarity regarding some of the methodology’s essential terms, in this case, Agile epics.

What Is An Agile Epic?

Essentially, the term user stories means requests from users regarding a given product. Though ’requests’ might not exactly be the best word to describe them, think of each as a small unit of functionality. Let’s say you are developing an app that is basically a map. One story could be a feature that allows users to calculate the optimal route between multiple points on the map, while, if your company offers trips abroad, another may be utilized for arranging accommodation. Stories are basically sub-tasks within a larger, more comprehensive unit.

You probably guessed it right, this larger unit is what’s called an epic. Within that, epic stories are related to each other as they are all pointing towards the same goal. Agile often works with independent yet connected teams, meaning each team can have their own Agile epics. These large chunks of work are parts of initiatives, which are the sub-groups of themes, which could be considered as a kind of overarching goal of the company.

Related: Agile QuickTip: User Stories and Product Ideas Should be Born on Index Cards

What’s The Benefit Of Agile Epics?

To put it shortly, clearly defined objectives and priorities. Agile is about continuous improvement and catering to customers’ needs. Large pieces of work and their smaller units help you exactly with that, giving your team a clear picture of the direction you need to go.

Another benefit is simply organization. A final product could be insanely complex, meaning there are plenty of small units of work to be taken care of. Stories that are more closely related to one another should be included in a category one level above them, and that’s where their epic counterparts enter the picture.

Last but not least, your time management might see some improvement. Agile epics contribute to planning sprints more effectively, thus giving your team a better estimate of how long the project is going to take. They are a great item in the toolbox that could be real game-changers.