Can you create an Evidence-Guided Roadmap? | Itamar Gilad
Oct 27, 2023
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Itamar Gilad, Author and Product Management Coach, discusses the importance of distinguishing data from evidence in product management. They emphasize defining metrics for a roadmap and building confidence through sequential activities and experiments. They also discuss the challenges of incorporating dynamic steps onto a roadmap, the shift in focus within product management, the importance of road mapping and defining goals and strategies, and the flaws of relying solely on opinions for decision-making.
Incorporating evidence-based decision making through customer research, user testing, and data analytics can lead to more informed and successful prioritization of ideas in road mapping.
Defining clear mission and strategy aligns road maps with larger business objectives, ensuring that they are not just a collection of features but a strategic plan.
Deep dives
Focus on evidence-based decision making
The biggest anti-pattern in road mapping is relying solely on opinions and judgments without considering evidence-based decision making. This approach can lead to biased and inaccurate prioritization of ideas. By incorporating evidence, such as customer research, user testing, and data analytics, product teams can make more informed decisions and select ideas that have a higher likelihood of success.
Embrace a mission and strategy-driven approach
Having a clear mission and strategy is essential for effective road mapping. Without a clear direction, road maps can become vague and lack focus. By defining the company's goals and strategy, product teams can align their road map with the larger business objectives. This helps ensure that the roadmap is not just a collection of features, but a strategic plan that drives the organization forward.
Balance long-term outcomes with short-term deliverables
An effective road map should strike a balance between long-term outcomes and short-term deliverables. While long-term goals guide the overall direction, it is important to also focus on delivering value in the short term. This can be achieved by breaking down long-term objectives into smaller, actionable steps that can be delivered incrementally. By finding this balance, product teams can provide value to customers while still working towards the larger goals.
Shift from output-driven to outcome-driven roadmaps
Traditionally, road maps have focused on specific features or deliverables, known as outputs. However, an outcome-driven approach is becoming more prevalent. In an outcome-driven road map, the focus is on the desired outcomes or results that will be achieved rather than the specific outputs. This shift allows for more flexibility, experimentation, and adaptability in the road mapping process, enabling teams to focus on delivering meaningful impact and value.