The product manager usually creates a product roadmap in collaboration with the executive team and department heads. In this article I’ll show you some of the key steps taken by these individuals to create product roadmaps that clearly define the markets and product lines you wish to pursue.

The majority of product roadmaps relate to internal documents specifically for going the vision statement the company has for its product lines. This involves documenting key features or products lines which management identified as being attractive due to targeting specific markets and customers. The product roadmap should also include any innovation strategies the company has identified in relation to technological advancements that their products can incorporate.

The starting point for any product roadmap is brainstorming ideas for new lines, features or products. This should involve as many different departments as possible. Bring together all your ideas and prioritize features based on different market segments. The product manager then has to research any market trends in these areas, levels of competition, and technology forecasts/issues which could hamper or facilitate these features.

With a prioritized list of features you can begin to establish if there is elements that can be reused or componentized across different products. This involves defining an architectural design (with the CTO) which can facilitate many different types of product lines in the long-term.

Create a time-frame for when you expect specific products to be created. Start off with an initial 1 to 2 year span. This is about the right amount of time to specify as the competitive market can change within two years, so some long-term goals may need to be dropped.

All you need to do is then submit your product roadmap departments for reviewing and alterations. It is crucial to realize that the product roadmap will continue to change over time as the markets alters.