Release planning and product roadmaps are two distinct but related technologies. They are distinct from one another and have different functions. Release plans dig into the specifics of how to accomplish each short-term goal, whereas a product roadmap visualizes the high-level strategic initiative. Check out How do product roadmaps differ from release plans?
2. Product roadmaps and release
plans are interrelated but are
different tools. They serve different
purposes and should not be
confused with each other. A product
roadmap visualizes the high-level
strategic initiative while release
plans look into the details of how to
reach each short-term goal.
Introduction
3. Product Roadmaps
Roadmaps answer the question as it
acts as a single reference strategic tool
designed to achieve long-term or short-
term business goals. Product managers
are responsible for creating and
maintaining the roadmaps with
different engineering, sales, marketing,
and management teams.
4. Priority: There are numerous paths available that we can take to
reach our final product. With the clear vision and roadmap of our
product, it is easier to prioritize decisions.
Visibility to stakeholders: Your goals must be accessible to
everyone in the organization and its progress. This transparency
increases the involvement of everyone.
Adaptability: A good roadmap tells you if you have reached your
goal or still need to boost the product’s commitment.
Connects you to the bigger picture: It’s significant to know what
your team will provide as a whole product. The roadmap gives you
a clear picture of how you will deliver the product at the end.
Importance of Product Roadmaps
5. Release Plan
A release plan is a document is designed
to trace the planned features of an
upcoming release. The course of a release
plan is only for a few months. It is an
excellent tool for communicating product
status and progress with cross-functional
teams, leaders, and stakeholders involved
in a project with aligned requirements for
product development.
6. Importance
Establish measurable goals that
describe the outcomes or benefits your
product
Set a high-level estimate for the
development team.
Keep track of progress from sprint to
sprint and make adjustments as
required.
Make data-driven decisions on
actionable feedback.
Set clear expectations between invested
stakeholders and the development team.
Ensure that each release builds on the
previous one.
7. Purpose: The product roadmap shows the
direction to the product to accomplish the
business goals. The release plan works on
the details that the team needs to build the
product.
Course of time: Product roadmaps should
not go on for years as the market is likely to
change in years. We recommend that for
most products, a product roadmap lasting
about a year (4 quarters) is more than
sufficient.
Audience: Product roadmaps can be tailored
according to the internal members-
management, sales, engineering teams, or the
external stakeholders- executives, advisory
boards, and customers.
Differences