Simplified Pathway: An Easy-to-Read Roadmap
There are various interpretations of what a roadmap entails. Essentially, it serves as a guiding plan—a collection of strategic decisions—to be followed throughout the quarters and year in order to achieve objectives. Different formats can be used to present a roadmap, such as an Excel sheet, a Word document, a deck or the Jira platform.
The crucial aspect is ensuring that both stakeholders and the team comprehend the roadmap and recognize its connection to team and company goals. In my case, at Picsart, I utilize a deck divided into quarters to outline our roadmap.
It's important to note that a roadmap is not a static document and may require updates. Factors such as the company's context, new strategies, insights, and learnings from launched functionalities can necessitate modifications to the original plan.
As an additional suggestion, I share the roadmap with both stakeholders and the team. To facilitate quick understanding of its status, I include icons next to each item. For example, I use a "WIP" icon to indicate that an item is currently in development, and a checkmark icon to denote completed and launched developments.