Roadmap: Definition, Purpose, Basic Principles, Keys, and How to Make It

In general, a Roadmap is a map showing driving directions. However, in the business world, a roadmap is defined as a document that explains a detailed business plan or strategy which is used as a reference in program implementation.

Roadmaps are used not only in business, but also in research and in bureaucratic forms. If you want to understand it better, read the explanation below, OK!

Definition of Roadmap

Before we get into how to create a roadmap, let's first understand what this means. Roadmap in the company is defined as a strategy. This means creating a roadmap for achieving business goals with careful and detailed planning and involving organizational resources and capabilities.

In other words, a roadmap is a detailed description of what needs to be prepared. For example, if your company is planning to develop a new product, you and your team must come up with a plan for the product to be successfully launched and accepted by the public.

Roadmap goals

All tools are linked to the roadmap. Roadmaps can provide various directions as to where and where to make changes to make the program successful. This is considered very important because everyone's understanding is different. Especially if you do different activities or programs at the same time with different tasks.

Therefore, creating a roadmap requires you to provide direction and understand the program. The roadmap can also be used as a reference when making individual changes for everyone in different areas.

The road can also be used as an important tool that can help change the environment according to the qualities or characteristics it has. A roadmap can describe a plan or program in a systematic and structured manner and is therefore very important to you.

Basic Principles of the Roadmap

Of course, because the activities and objectives of the roadmap are very important for the company, the document cannot be made haphazardly. The roadmap is a guide that contains at least the following 7 basic principles.

concise: Roadmap must be concise, concise, and not too broad

Clear: Use language that is clear and easy to understand.

Measured: All aspects ranging from the program, objectives, outputs, results to implementation time can be measured precisely in the same process.

Detail: The roadmap should contain detailed information on how to implement the activities.

Adjustable: The roadmap is somewhat flexible so that revisions and feedback can be made as needed.

Commitment: Roadmap is a document that is agreed upon by all stakeholders. The contract indicates an obligation to fulfill its obligations.

Resmi: Roadmap is the official action plan guide. Therefore, these documents are only used as part of the work and cannot be shown to outsiders.

What are the Keys to a Product Roadmap?

There are at least three things that are actually the main key in making a product roadmap, namely:

1. The product manager must be able to decide when the product can be released, either in the next year or in two years, when preparations are well prepared.

2. The product manager must also be able to communicate product advantages to consumers. Good delivery increases consumer interest in buying and using the product.

3. Presenting product specifications, characteristics or characteristics of the product clearly and clearly as a comparison with other products.

How to Make a Product Roadmap

You already know what that roadmap looks like. Next, you'll learn how to plan your next product.

1. Decide on a strategy

Strategy serves to answer the question "why" the product is produced. Define your vision, goals, and product initiatives, and how the product can support the company's overall vision.

2. Adapt to market conditions

Given the different market conditions, it is important for you to recognize these differences so that the products produced are accurate. In this way, the sales rate will increase and you will get the maximum profit.

3. Pay attention to all aspects

Consumers consider many things when buying a product. For example features, functions, packaging, quality and price. Therefore, when creating a product roadmap, you need to think about what advantages your product can offer to survive in the market.

4. Understand the problems faced by consumers

The next way to create a roadmap is to understand potential consumer issues. Find out what problems many people face so you can use them as a reference to develop products that can solve their problems.

5. Gather feedback

Once you understand consumer issues, you can assign product testers to several people to get their input, whether on quality, functionality or usability.

This allows you to know how consumers value your product so if it breaks, you can fix it right before it hits the market.

So that's a detailed explanation of what a Roadmap is. Hope it is useful!