Tech Dictionary

Feature

A distinct piece of functionality or capability within a software application that provides value to the user.

Metaphor

A feature is like an app on your smartphone—it adds a specific functionality that you can use, such as a camera or messaging app.

Examples

A “search” feature on a website that allows users to find specific content, or a “checkout” feature in an e-commerce app that processes payments.

Why It Matters

Features are what users interact with and rely on, making them central to the user experience and overall product value.

Business Impact

Developing the right features can attract and retain users, drive revenue, and differentiate a product in the market.

When It's Useful
  • Use Case 1: Adding new capabilities to a product to meet user needs and stay competitive.
  • Use Case 2: Enhancing existing features based on user feedback to improve satisfaction.
  • Use Case 3: Testing new features in a beta version to gather user feedback before a full release.
Best Practices

Prioritize features based on user needs and business goals; test features thoroughly before release; gather user feedback to refine features.

Common Pitfalls

Adding too many features without considering user needs; failing to test features properly; releasing features that are incomplete or buggy.

Key Metrics

Feature usage rate, user satisfaction, feature adoption rate.

Tools and Technologies

Jira, Trello, Feature Flags (for controlling feature rollouts).

Term's Application and Relevance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you prioritize which features to develop?
Features are prioritized based on factors like user demand, business impact, technical feasibility, and alignment with strategic goals.
What’s the difference between a feature and a bug?
A feature adds new functionality, while a bug is an error that causes existing functionality to work incorrectly.
How do you measure the success of a feature?
Feature success is typically measured using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user engagement, adoption rate, customer satisfaction scores, and impact on business metrics like revenue or user retention.
Can features be removed from a product?
Yes, features can be removed from a product. This process, known as feature deprecation, is often done when a feature is no longer providing value, is underused, or is replaced by a better alternative. It's important to communicate such changes to users well in advance.
Tech jargon for non-techs

Related terms

Repository

A storage location where code, documents, and other files are stored and managed, typically using a version control system like Git.

Refactoring

The process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior, aimed at improving the code’s structure, readability, and maintainability.

MLP (Minimum Lovable Product)

A version of a product that includes just enough features to not only meet the core needs of early users but also to delight them, fostering strong emotional engagement and early adoption.
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