Here's how you can make sure deadlines in product innovation are realistic and achievable.

Developing true innovation is looking at the macro industry a person is involved in and looking into the future to what will meet needs for today and into the future. You have to have an understanding of the need in the industry and what value and sustainability it brings to the entire market. You have to listen and gather important information for the end users. Then you can bring true development and innovative solutions to market.

Clearly define the scope of the project and the specific deliverables that need to be completed within the given timeframe. Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks or features. Ensure that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the project goals, requirements, and priorities. Scope clarity helps set realistic deadlines based on the complexity and effort required.

I agree. However, scope should not just be achievable but a bit of stretch to assess how much innovation can be pushed within reason

Conduct a thorough analysis of the resources available for the project, including human resources, budget, and technology. Assess the availability and skill sets of the team members involved. Consider any external dependencies or constraints that may impact the project timeline. A comprehensive resource analysis enables you to allocate resources effectively and estimate the time required for each task.

Break the project timeline into key milestones or checkpoints. Set intermediate deadlines for completing specific phases or deliverables. Milestone planning allows you to track progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and make necessary adjustments throughout the project lifecycle. It provides a sense of structure and helps manage the project within the given timeframe.

When we talk about Innovation, it is a concept that does not exist. So when innovating within the product, risk becomes inherent. Be it risk to timeline or risk to delivery. However, most product owners do not assess risk to value. Risk assessment of net value is key to make any decision.

Consider additional planning for your highest complexity items as part of your risk mitigation plan. For example, if one critical path item you're managing has an important deadline, create an alternate plan as a backup that reduces risk and can be initiated based on a scope, time, or quality trigger. Doing so will further bolster your risk mitigation plan and positioned your project for success.

Identify potential risks and uncertainties that may impact the project timeline. Assess the probability and potential impact of each risk event. Develop mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of risks and create contingency plans if unexpected issues arise. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, you can account for uncertainties and make informed decisions to keep the project on track.

Establish regular feedback loops with stakeholders, team members, and customers throughout the project. Encourage open communication and provide opportunities for feedback and input. Actively listen to concerns, suggestions, and insights from all parties involved. Feedback loops help identify potential delays, address issues promptly, and make necessary adjustments to meet deadlines.

Embrace an agile approach to product innovation. Agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, provide flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and priorities. Regularly review and prioritize tasks based on feedback and emerging needs. Break the project into short iterations or sprints, allowing for continuous improvement and adjustment. Agile adaptation enables you to respond to challenges and optimize the project timeline accordingly.