Azure Boards : Epics and Features

Epics and Features in Azure Boards: Streamlining Business Objectives

In Azure Boards, the alignment of Epics and Features with the core business goals of your organization is paramount. User stories, representing items in the product backlog, naturally roll up into Features, and Features, in turn, aggregate into Epics.

Understanding Epics: A Glimpse into Business Objectives

Epics, sometimes referred to as themes, encapsulate substantial business initiatives. Imagine, for instance, embarking on the deployment of a mobile app. Within this Epic, the focus could be on simplifying the user experience and enhancing app performance.

Features: Breaking Down the Epics

Features represent the granular components that contribute to achieving the broader Epic goals. For instance, adding a Shopping Cart option, supporting email alerts, or revamping the look and feel of the application are all examples of Features that roll up into the overarching Epic of deploying a Mobile App.

Adding Work Items: A Familiar Process

When it comes to incorporating new work items, the process is akin to creating a user story. Simply select "Work Item" on the left panel. As an example, let's consider adding a new Epic titled "Improve App Performance." Much like creating a user story, fill in the Title, Description, and optional Comments, and then click on Save.

Backlogs: Navigating the Work Landscape

Backlogs play a pivotal role in organizing work items. They serve as repositories for information sharing, work assignments, tracking dependencies, and overall work organization. The Project Backlog, or Product Backlog, outlines the work to be undertaken in the upcoming sprint, iteration, or cycle.

Prioritization in Action: Managing Backlog Items

For instance, if the priority is to address the "Add mobile shopping cart" user story in the next sprint, simply drag and drop it into the desired iteration. This dynamic approach ensures that the team is consistently working on the most crucial tasks, as the backlog displays items in order of importance.

Iterative Progress: Shifting Stories Across Sprints

Consider the scenario where the "Add mobile shopping cart" story is initially placed in the 1st iteration. As priorities evolve, it can seamlessly be moved to the 2nd iteration by a straightforward drag-and-drop action, reflecting the agile nature of Azure Boards.