They provide a shared, common understanding of the vision, goals, and objectives for everyone in the company. For many workers, it’s their only glimpse of where the product and organization are heading and why certain decisions were made. Product roadmaps are one of the few things almost everyone in the organization will be exposed to, as sales pitches, marketing plans, and financials are usually held closer to the vest. All the work individual contributors do often only make sense within the context of the product roadmap and knowing that plan and what the organization hopes it will bring can get naysayers onboard. They’re also a source of inspiration, motivation, and shared ownership of the product and its successes. They take many competing priorities and boil them down to what’s most important, leaving shiny objects by the wayside in favor of work that moves the needles stakeholders really care about. Product roadmaps encapsulate how the product strategy becomes a reality. Instead, these objectives are similar to other types of roadmaps, such as marketing roadmaps and IT roadmaps. Note that roadmaps aren’t limited to products. It also ensures that everyone is working toward a common goal. Within that framework, of course, is the general order of what you’ll be building.Ĭlearly articulating the product vision and strategy can make it easier to secure executive buy-in. And it should also tie back to the strategy for the company. Ideally, your product roadmap should convey the strategic direction for your product. Help communicate with external stakeholders, including customersįor more on the basics of a product roadmap, check on this short video.Facilitate discussion of options and scenario planning.Provide a guiding document for executing the strategy.The product roadmap has several ultimate goals: A roadmap is a guiding strategic document as well as a plan for executing the product strategy.įor examples and inspiration on building your first roadmap, browse our library of product roadmap templates. A product roadmap communicates the why and what behind what you’re building.

A product roadmap is a high-level visual summary that maps out the vision and direction of your product offering over time.

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