Developers and customers assign features to each iteration. The most important criterion for
feature assignment is that every iteration must deliver a visible, tangible set of features to the
customer. In the assignment process, customers decide on feature prioritization, using feature
estimates, risks, and dependency information supplied by the development team. A spreadsheet is
an effective tool for feature-based iteration planning. Experience has shown that this type of
planning—done as a team rather than by the project manager—provides better understanding of
the project than a traditional task-based approach. Feature-based planning reflects the uniqueness
of each project.