What are the best practices for product roadmapping?

I have used the Now, Next and Later time horizon format for product roadmaps. They give you flexibility on the scope for how the problem can be solved but at the same time excellent tool to communiciate product strategy and direction. A few things to make sure your product roadmap includes: 1. KPI/goals that align with business north star metrics 2. Ideas/experiments can be categorized into initiatives 3. Prepare one version of roadmap that can be drilled down in to details for execution teams and the same roadmap that can be used to communciate at 50,000 ft view. 4. Tell a story and use data and evidence to back up your roadmap 5. Be flexible Give it a try!

So, setting up a scope and timeline is like making a game plan. It’s super helpful because it gives everyone a clear idea of what we’re doing and when we aim to get stuff done. But it’s kinda like guessing. We’re predicting what we can do and when we can do it, but real-life isn’t always so predictable. Sometimes, sticking too close to the plan can box us in. We might get new info or feedback that could make our product way better, but if we’re too hooked on the plan, we might miss the chance to improve. So, it’s all about finding a sweet spot—having a solid plan but being ready to switch things up when it makes sense.

In my playbook “traditional prioritization” needs more room for exploration and experimentation. Risks should be welcomed and failure not feared but seen as a learning opportunity. I always allocate a certain portion of resources specifically for pursuing those wild, out-of-the-box ideas. Encouraging diverse thoughts and allowing different voices to be heard often unveils hidden gems. Sure, prioritization has its place in keeping us aligned and efficient, but I’ve found it rewarding to balance it with a free space for creativity to uncover extraordinary breakthroughs and keeping the product perpetually vibrant and refreshing. So, it’s about blending the structured with the spontaneous to truly innovate.

While we build roadmap the core should revolve around "Customer" and then few pointers can be taken care- 1. List out “why” item 2. Spend time to understand the "unknown" 3. Talk to people to "develop" multiple perspectives 4. Time to "arrange, prioritize and set timeline" 5. If there is possibility "customize" for your audience 6. Be open bkz sometime you need to "adjust" back During this whole process we assume team is well aware about the goal, if not keep reminding during this process.

I'd also add from a software development perspective, understanding the skill set of your development team. Having a vision and items to support that vision is important but without the team to drive to that vision you won't get far.