Feature creep

Feature creep is the excessive ongoing expansion or addition of new features in a product,^[1] especially in computer software, video games (where it should not be confused with Power creep) and consumer and business electronics. These extra features go beyond the basic function of the product and can result in software bloat and over-complication, rather than simple design.

The definition of what qualifies as "feature creep" varies among end users, where what is perceived as such by some users may be considered practical functionality by others.^[2] Feature creep is one of the most common sources of cost and schedule overruns.^[3]^{[verification needed]} It thus endangers and can even kill products and projects.

^ J.M. Sullivan (8–10 June 2005). "Impediments to and incentives for automation in the Air Force". Proceedings. 2005 International Symposium on Technology and Society, 2005. Weapons and Wires: Prevention and Safety in a Time of Fear. ISTAS 2005. pp. 101–110. doi:10.1109/ISTAS.2005.1452719. ISBN 0-7803-9284-1. S2CID 21079766.
^ Featuritis (or creeping featurism). January 2024.
^ Davis, F.D.; Venkatesh, V. (February 2004), "Toward preprototype user acceptance testing of new information systems: implications for software project management", IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 51, 51 (1): 31–46, doi:10.1109/TEM.2003.822468, ISSN 0018-9391, S2CID 1204079

[1] J.M. Sullivan (8–10 June 2005). "Impediments to and incentives for automation in the Air Force". Proceedings. 2005 International Symposium on Technology and Society, 2005. Weapons and Wires: Prevention and Safety in a Time of Fear. ISTAS 2005. pp. 101–110. doi:10.1109/ISTAS.2005.1452719. ISBN 0-7803-9284-1. S2CID 21079766.

[2] Featuritis (or creeping featurism). January 2024.

[3] Davis, F.D.; Venkatesh, V. (February 2004), "Toward preprototype user acceptance testing of new information systems: implications for software project management", IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 51, 51 (1): 31–46, doi:10.1109/TEM.2003.822468, ISSN 0018-9391, S2CID 1204079

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