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Scandinavian Product Podcast

#3 All things roadmaps | Phil Hornby, Product Coach & Founder

Mar 29, 2024
Phil Hornby, a product coach and founder of For Product People, shares his extensive insights on roadmapping. He tackles why some dislike roadmaps, highlighting misconceptions and the need for flexibility with frameworks like 'now, next, later.' Hornby discusses the alignment of roadmaps with OKRs, emphasizing storytelling and transparency. He also addresses the balance between confidence and evidence in decision-making, the importance of tailoring communication for stakeholders, and essential resources for product professionals looking to enhance their strategies.
54:23

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Roadmaps should be seen as dynamic tools that facilitate communication and alignment rather than as rigid plans with fixed commitments.
  • Tailoring roadmaps to different audiences, such as teams and stakeholders, enhances understanding and fosters effective decision-making across the organization.

Deep dives

The Role of Roadmaps in Product Management

Roadmaps are viewed as essential tools for aligning teams and guiding the direction of product development, but misconceptions about their purpose often lead to disdain. Many perceive roadmaps as rigid plans filled with exact features and dates, which can foster unrealistic expectations. However, roadmaps should represent a 'direction of travel' and the intent behind product decisions rather than strict commitments to specific features. Acknowledging that roadmaps will evolve helps teams embrace them as dynamic tools that facilitate communication and alignment rather than constraints.

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