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MENTAL MODEL · M0578

Feature Creep

Feature Creep
BusinessHigh supportProduct Management
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

Feature creep is the excessive ongoing expansion or addition of new features in a product, 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.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Reduce cognitive load

Feature creep is the excessive ongoing expansion or addition of new features in a product, especially in computer software, video games (where it should not be confused with power creep) and consumer and business electronics.

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Anchor fast decisions

The product continuously adds features without strict control, exceeding the original scope, leading to complexity and bloat, increased costs and delays. The mechanism is uncontrolled scope expansion.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feature_creepZH · Explicit
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