Introduction
Product roadmapping is a critical aspect of product management, and it involves outlining the product vision, goals, and objectives. A roadmap is a visual tool that helps product managers communicate their plans and strategies with stakeholders. In this blog post, we will explore six different tools that can help product managers create a roadmap. These tools include Trello, Aha, Mural, Google Sheets, Excel, and Craft.io.
Trello
From their website: “What is Trello? Trello is the visual tool that empowers your team to manage any type of project, workflow, or task tracking. Add files, checklists, or even automation: Customize it all for how your team works best. Just sign up, create a board, and you’re off!”
Trello is a project management tool that allows users to organize tasks and projects using boards, lists, and cards. Product managers can use Trello to create a roadmap by creating a board for each release and creating lists for each stage of development (e.g., planning, development, testing, release). Within each list, the product manager can create cards that represent tasks or features that need to be completed. The cards can be moved between lists to reflect the progress of the project. Trello also allows users to add labels, due dates, and checklists to each card, making it easier to manage the roadmap.
Aha
From their website: “Roadmap your way to product success”
Aha is a product management platform that allows users to create and manage product roadmaps. The platform includes features such as goal setting, strategy creation, and release planning. With Aha, product managers can create visual roadmaps that outline the product vision, goals, and objectives. The platform also includes templates for different types of roadmaps, such as customer-facing roadmaps, internal roadmaps, and quarterly roadmaps.
Mural
From their website: “Mural is a digital environment that leverages visual collaboration to help every member of your team unlock ideas and solve problems together. Visual collaboration can level the playing field for distributed teams by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.”
Mural is an online collaboration platform that allows users to create visual representations of their ideas and plans. Product managers can use Mural to create a roadmap by creating a canvas that includes different sections for each stage of development. Within each section, the product manager can add notes, images, and other visual elements that represent tasks or features that need to be completed. Mural also allows users to collaborate with team members in real-time, making it easier to manage the roadmap.
Google Sheets and Excel
Google Sheets and Excel are both spreadsheet programs that can be used to create a product roadmap. Product managers can create a spreadsheet that includes columns for each stage of development and rows for each task or feature. Within each cell, the product manager can add notes, due dates, and other relevant information. The spreadsheet can also be formatted to include visual elements such as charts or graphs that represent the progress of the project.
See an example of Rubrics Based Feature Prioritization using Google Sheet or Excel.
Craft.io
From their website: “Make smart product decisions, align your team, and tell a compelling product story with Craft.io. The end-to-end product management platform with best practices built-in.”
Craft.io is a product management platform that includes features such as product planning, roadmapping, and collaboration. With Craft.io, product managers can create a visual roadmap that includes different stages of development, goals, and objectives. The platform also includes features such as idea management, customer feedback, and prioritization, making it easier to manage the product roadmap.
Conclusion
Product roadmapping is an essential part of product management, and there are several tools available to help product managers create effective roadmaps. Trello, Aha, Mural, Google Sheets, Excel, and Craft.io are all excellent tools that can be used to create roadmaps. Each tool has its unique features and benefits, and product managers should choose the tool that best suits their needs. By using these tools, product managers can create a roadmap that effectively communicates the product vision, goals, and objectives with stakeholders.
Cover pic from NASA Archives.
