In custom software development, the path to success is often complex and somewhat unpredictable.

When we remind ourselves that we’re dealing with unique digital products (not cookie-cutter solutions) that makes sense, right? And this is true whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing app or software tool.

How can product owners and executives take their business needs and structure a roadmap to execute on them effectively? It’s often challenging to envision how a list of ideal features will become a solution that truly meets user and business needs.

Enter: the product roadmap.

When many of us hear the word ‘roadmap,’ we picture GPS directions with exact turn-by-turn instructions. Or a blueprint for a building, where walls must be built before windows are installed and the roof must be added before interior decoration is completed.

Unfortunately, creating a successful software product is rarely this straightforward. There are often several ways to approach the project—each capable of delivering the value you seek.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What is the value you are seeking?

• Which features will deliver the most value?

• In what order should we pursue those valuable features?

In this article, I’ll explain why product roadmaps greatly increase the likelihood of success—when used properly.

What is a product roadmap?

A product roadmap is a living document and a strategic guide. It’s a communication tool that outlines the development team’s intended direction, while leaving room for adjustments based on roadblocks or new ideas.

A roadmap generally includes some of the following items:

• The product vision and strategy

• A variety of features, sorted by priority

• Some estimate of a timeline needed to deliver the product’s value

• Resources required, including team member capacity

Importantly, a product roadmap is not a checklist, a commitment, or a guarantee of specific features and deadlines. Clients who grasp the need for flexibility in custom software receive the most value, because they remain open to adjusting priorities based on new discoveries.

For example, say we’re working together on a roadmap and see that one feature is estimated to take seven weeks for completion. We may suggest other alternatives that can deliver the same value in a shorter amount of time. (Of course, in some scenarios, that original feature remains the smartest choice.)

Can you see that roadmaps are a tool to help you make better value-based decisions?

It’s important to note that deviations from the roadmap aren’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, they’re quite common! However, they should be made after thoughtful consideration, weighing the tradeoffs involved.

Recently, a client requested a specific feature to be ready in four weeks. However, during our review of the product roadmap, we discovered that launching their Beta version would be more beneficial. By rescheduling the original feature to be completed a bit later than planned, we managed to prioritize the Beta release.

This adjustment allowed us to deliver the most value at the right time—while still getting to the original feature in a timely manner.

How product roadmaps lead to software development success

Before we even begin development, you can use the outlined roadmap within your organization. Clients often find roadmaps extremely helpful in securing feedback, trust, and buy-in from stakeholders within their organizations.

Remember: things will probably change a bit during the project, but use the roadmap to anticipate where you’ll receive quick wins and prompt value.

Once we’re working together, roadmaps are one of the best resources we have for effective communication and alignment. Here are three key reasons they lead to greater software development success:

• They ensure we’re all working toward the same objectives.

• They serve as a tool to enable informed decision making when facing conflicting priorities.

• They help us mitigate risk by identifying potential challenges upfront, reducing the likelihood of delays.

How we create effective roadmaps—and adapt them along the way

As you’re discovering the value of product roadmaps, you might find yourself thinking, I have no idea how to start outlining one.

I’ll outline our process below, but please know that when you work with Michigan Software Labs, we partner closely with you. We combine our expertise in crafting roadmaps with your deep understanding of your industry and organization. Together, we’ll tackle this process to ensure the roadmap is tailored to your needs.

Our steps to creating effective roadmaps:

1. Identify the required value of the product: First, we partner with you to understand the core value you seek to deliver with your digital product. By clearly defining the business and user needs, we’ll ensure that every feature aligns with your strategic goals.

2. Outline desired features: Next, we’ll work with you to identify a full list of desired needs (features) for your new digital product or for the improvement of your existing one. This is the time to stretch yourself and document as many ideas as possible.

3. Scope and prioritize the work: Then, we layer our experience to help you find the most appropriate scope for the project—and to put the selected features in priority order. Here, we’ll also brainstorm if there are any other possible solutions to accomplish your goals that you haven’t already thought of.

4. Create timing estimates: Next, we’ll identify details around each feature. We use this to make educated estimates about the amount of time it will take a designer and/or developer to accomplish each item.

5. Document the first version of the roadmap: Once we have enough information to put estimates behind the features, we sketch out a roadmap and gather your feedback.

We hope you see that product roadmaps are a primary way we deliver meaningful value for our clients. But there are several additional reasons we use them:

• They help us proactively define upcoming features, ensuring our development team is prepared for each sprint.

• They ensure what we’re working on each week is the smartest choice for the value you need.

• They facilitate communication, keeping us all aligned on the impact of tradeoffs.

By understanding the dynamic nature and strategic value of roadmaps, you can trust them to guide your projects to successful outcomes.

If you’re looking for expert support on creating and maintaining a roadmap, we’d love to connect with you! Start a conversation by completing our simple contact form.