Product roadmap vs. release plan

What is a roadmap

A product roadmap is a high-level, strategic document that outlines the vision, direction, and progress of a product over time. It is a visual representation that organizes and presents the product’s strategy and planned development efforts. A roadmap typically includes key milestones, features, and initiatives that are necessary to achieve the strategic goals of the product. It helps align the stakeholders, the development team, and other departments within the organization on the priorities and the future direction of the product. It is a living document that is subject to change as the product evolves and as market conditions change. For helpful resources in creating your own, check out these product roadmap templates.

What is a release plan

A release plan, on the other hand, is a more detailed and tactical document that outlines the features, tasks, and deadlines for a specific release of the product. It is usually created by the product owner or the development team and is used to plan and manage the development work leading up to a product release. A release plan typically includes a list of features, user stories, tasks, and the due dates for each. It is a more granular document that focuses on the short-term and is used to manage the day-to-day development activities.

Key components that overlap between roadmap and release plan

There are several key components that overlap between a roadmap and a release plan:

• Features: Both documents will typically list the features that are planned for development. However, the roadmap will usually list them at a higher level, while the release plan will break them down into more detail.

• Milestones: Both documents will include key milestones that need to be achieved. However, the roadmap will usually include more strategic milestones, while the release plan will include more tactical milestones.

• Timeframes: Both documents will include timeframes for when features and milestones are planned to be completed. However, the roadmap will usually include longer timeframes (e.g., quarters, years), while the release plan will include shorter timeframes (e.g., weeks, months).

Differences between a roadmap and a release plan

While there are some components that overlap between a roadmap and a release plan, there are also several key differences:

• Level of detail:The roadmap is a high-level document that provides an overview of the product’s strategy and planned development efforts. The release plan is a more detailed and tactical document that outlines the specific features, tasks, and deadlines for a product release.

• Time horizon:The roadmap usually covers a longer time horizon (e.g., 6-12 months, or even years) and is more strategic in nature. The release plan covers a shorter time horizon (e.g., 1-3 months) and is more tactical in nature.

• Audience:The roadmap is usually created for a broader audience, including stakeholders, executives, and other departments within the organization. The release plan is usually created for a more specific audience, including the development team and the product owner.

• Frequency of updates: The roadmap is a living document that is updated periodically (e.g., quarterly) as the product evolves and as market conditions change. The release plan is usually updated more frequently (e.g., weekly) as the development work progresses.

Can both roadmaps and release plans be used?

Yes! Both roadmaps and release plans are integral product development tools, each serving distinct purposes and addressing different audiences. The product roadmap is vital for strategic planning, ensuring the organization is aligned on the product's priorities and future direction. Conversely, the release plan is key for tactical planning and managing daily development activities. Utilizing both documents concurrently ensures that development efforts align with the product's strategic objectives and that the team is poised to deliver a successful product release.