Abstract
Epics are essential tools in modern agile delivery, but they are widely misunderstood. Many teams treat epics as containers for vague ambition rather than purposeful direction. This paper explores the strategic role of epics, why clear epic writing matters, and how outcome-driven epics align teams, enable better decisions, and build delivery momentum. It introduces a structured approach for writing effective epics and outlines practical techniques for teams and leaders to improve their backlog health.
Introduction
Epics have become standard in agile backlogs, yet they are often one of the least effective artefacts. Teams frequently overload epics with features, blur them with themes, or treat them as catch-alls for unstructured ideas. The result is confusion, misalignment, and a breakdown in visibility.
This paper argues that writing clear, outcome-focused epics is not just a product skill but a strategic leadership practice. Good epics reduce delivery noise, help teams focus on what matters, and create visibility across multiple layers of the organisation.
What is an Epic?
A user story captures a conversation. A task delivers an action. An epic, by contrast, provides direction. It describes a meaningful problem, points to a directional solution, and anchors the value being pursued.
Too often, epics are misunderstood as simply “bigger stories”. In practice, they should serve as signals of purpose, anchoring progress and aligning delivery with customer outcomes.
The Purpose of Great Epics
Strategic Clarity
Great epics surface what matters. They allow teams and leaders to understand where investment is heading and why. When written well, they communicate intent in plain language, enabling faster prioritisation and better trade-offs.
Delivery Alignment
Teams rely on epics to orient their work. If the epic is fuzzy, the stories that follow will fragment. A clear epic helps break down work into valuable, deliverable slices. It also helps identify dependencies earlier.
Stakeholder Communication
Executives and sponsors need a high-level view of progress without being dragged into day-to-day delivery detail. Epics make it possible to surface meaningful updates in language non-technical leaders understand.
A Practical Structure for Writing Epics
We propose a three-part structure for writing better epics:
To address [problem], we will [solution], so that [value].
This format keeps the epic focused on the outcome, not the implementation.
Example:
“To address accessibility barriers for older gardeners, we will build raised beds so that all community members can participate.”
Characteristics of High-Quality Epic
Great epics share several traits:
- Outcome-driven: Rooted in value, not effort
- Customer-focused: Oriented around real needs
- Plain language: Easy for all roles to understand
- Scoped for delivery: Achievable within a few sprints or a quarter
- Aligned to strategy: Reflects organisational priorities
- Singular in purpose: Not a mix of competing ideas
Applying the INVEST Heuristic at Epic Level
Although typically used for stories, the INVEST model offers useful constraints for epics:
- Independent: Can be prioritised on its own
- Negotiable: Open to collaboration and adaptation
- Valuable: Delivers meaningful outcomes
- Estimable: Roughly understood in scale
- Small (ish): Breakable into deliverable stories
- Testable: Clear success criteria
Great epics support the rhythm of agile organisations. Poorly written epics disrupt it.
Writing Epics as a Thinking Practice
Good epic writing isn’t just about form. It’s about intentional thinking:
- What real problem are we solving?
- What does success look like for the customer?
- Is the value clear enough that we could say “yes” or “not yet”?
This is not documentation. It’s clarity.
Conclusion: Epics as Strategic Signals
When teams write better epics, they align faster. They plan better. They reduce noise and surface risk earlier. But more importantly — they build belief.
An epic is not just a ticket in a tool. It’s a flag on the hill. It says: “This is worth building. Here’s why.”
That’s the real power of great epic writing. Not better documentation — better direction.
