spike
Spike
Structured technical investigation to reduce uncertainty. Answer specific questions, not "explore X."
Key Principles
- Every spike answers a specific, measurable question
- Strict time-box (default 4h) — produce a decision at the end, even if incomplete
- Output is a decision (GO/NO-GO/PIVOT/MORE-INFO), not a general exploration
- Create follow-up tasks from findings, not just a report
When NOT to Use
- Multi-day evaluations — Use
deep-researchfor comprehensive technology evaluations with stakeholder reports - Already know what to build — Skip straight to implementation; spikes are for reducing uncertainty, not planning known work
- Bug investigation — Use
error-handlingor/fix; bugs have reproduction steps, spikes have open questions
Quick Start Checklist
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