What is a feature in the context of SAFe?

In the context of SAFe, a feature is defined as a service that fulfills a stakeholder need and adds business value. Features represent capabilities that are valuable to users or customers, and they are designed to solve specific problems or meet specific requirements. This aligns with the essential goal of developing functionality that provides tangible benefits, which is a core principle of the Agile approach.

Features are identified within the context of a program and serve as a bridge between the strategic objectives of the organization and the actual work to be performed during program increments. They are typically expressed in terms of user stories or use cases, and they guide teams on what to build to achieve maximum value for customers.

Other options do not capture the essence of a feature within SAFe. Budget allocation relates to project finance management, technical specifications focus on the details of implementation rather than on the value delivered to the user, and tasks are granular components of work rather than larger units of value used to gauge progress. Recognizing a feature as providing business value is critical to ensuring that development efforts align with stakeholder needs and outcomes.