Product Roadmaps — Charting our path🤔
“Where are you going if you don’t know where you’re going?” -Jeff Nielsen and Sarah Dickinson in “Best Agile Practices — Roadmaps”
I think the quotation above is really informative, and I might also question myself, “If I don’t know where I’m going, why am I going?” as I used it in another post about roadmaps.
To begin this post, allow me to explain that a product roadmap serves as a dynamic strategy document that outlines the goals and development path of a product throughout time. Understanding what a product roadmap is, how it varies from a backlog, and what its essential elements are is crucial.
The majority of individuals, groups, and companies frequently misunderstand what a roadmap is. 🙃
A product roadmap is a detailed plan that outlines the main objectives, characteristics, and developmental stages of a product. It provides a visual representation of the product’s evolution for internal teams, stakeholders, and occasionally external audiences.
Roadmaps are not a comprehensive to-do list or a calendar with deadlines, It offers a strategic picture of the product’s path rather than delving into specific details.
On the other hand, a backlog is an extensive list of tasks, features, and user stories that need to be addressed, but a roadmap describes the “what” and “why” of a product’s development. Detailed information is kept in the backlog, as opposed to the roadmap’s emphasis on the overall product goal.
In line with corporate goals, a roadmap should include important milestones, and critical strategic activities. It serves as a tool for communication, encouraging teams and stakeholders to have a common understanding.
A roadmap’s main objective is to bring teams, stakeholders, and leadership together around the direction of the product. It establishes expectations, clarifies goals, and helps with resource planning. A well-designed roadmap guarantees coherent advancement along the same strategic path.
A roadmap functions as a tool for both focus and visibility. By providing insight into the product’s future, it promotes openness and cooperation. In addition, it prevents teams from becoming bogged down in specifics and keeps them concentrated on bigger picture objectives.
A well-designed product roadmap is more than simply a plan; it’s a shared vision that unites leadership, teams, and stakeholders and points them in the direction of success.
Strategic goals and objectives at a high level are typically the first on a roadmap. The product team wants to accomplish these goals within a given time frame.
Feedback loops are a feature of effective roadmaps that enable modifications based on actual results or alterations in company circumstances. Consistent evaluations and revisions guarantee that the plan stays in line with overall goals.
Should we modify the goal or the path leading there?
When reviewing a product roadmap, the purpose should be to assess the progress made, consider the present situation, and make any necessary changes to the plan (adapt) rather than necessarily changing the final destination or goal.
In a product roadmap, the ultimate destination or key goals serve as a constant representation of the product’s broad vision and strategic aims.
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps” — Confucius said
The quote’s main points are in line with being flexible and looking for different ways to accomplish goals.
Francisco Cobos
🐢 “Poc a Poc” (Little by Little)
