What are the two types of enabler stories in SAFe?

Enabler stories in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) serve to support the development of complex architectures and systems, and they can be categorized into two primary types: exploration and infrastructure.

Exploration enabler stories are designed to research, experiment, and validate new ideas, allowing teams to explore options and assess the feasibility of potential solutions. They facilitate innovation and help in minimizing risks related to new features or technologies by encouraging teams to gather insights before making significant commitments.

Infrastructure enabler stories, on the other hand, focus on improving the underlying systems or frameworks that support product development. This can include upgrades to technology, improvements to development processes, or enhancements that ensure the product’s foundation can support future feature development.

The other choices like defect and impediment, feature and enhancement, or maintenance and performance do not align with the specific classifications of enabler stories within SAFe. They either refer to types of work that address issues or augment features rather than establishing the foundational elements necessary for developing future capabilities. Thus, the distinction provided by exploration and infrastructure enabler stories accurately reflects their roles within the SAFe framework.