Gold May 2026

: Adding extra features outside the agreed-upon scope.

: Ensure all team members have access to the project plan, risks, and estimations so they know when to stop refactoring. Gold Plating - Coding Horror : Adding extra features outside the agreed-upon scope

The phrase in feature development refers to the act of adding unnecessary features or enhancements to a project that were not in the original scope. While often done with the intention of delighting a client, it is generally considered a negative practice in project management because it can lead to increased costs, schedule delays, and unnecessary complexity. Why Gold-Plating Occurs While often done with the intention of delighting

: Designers or developers may insist on high craftsmanship upfront if they believe they won't get a chance to revisit and improve the product later. Key Differences in Development Terminology : A strategic "hero" feature designed to be

: Follow official change procedures if new features are actually necessary.

: A strategic "hero" feature designed to be the highlight of a specific release to wow the audience. How to Avoid Gold-Plating

: When the scope of a project grows uncontrollably due to external requests without corresponding increases in budget or time.