The Purpose of Product Roadmaps
Let’s begin by defining what a product roadmap is.
And to do that, I will first explain what a roadmap is not.
A roadmap is not simply a list of features arranged in a somewhat prioritized order, nor is it the product backlog nor is it static Gantt chart that looks like a project plan.
Here are some definitions of Product Roadmap as per industry experts:
“A good roadmap is a strategic communications tool, a statement of intent and direction, and, done well, a way of rallying the whole organization around the key problems that must be solved to achieve your product vision.”
For them, product roadmaps are not static documents of what features will be delivered when as per customer needs. They are live and dynamic visualizations (closely linked to their product plans) that help communicate the outcomes the product team is working towards and how they support the organization’s overarching vision mission and business goals.
