如何创建Roadmap产品路线图
产品路线图是最重要的产品工具之一。本篇介绍如何在2020年创建你的产品路线图（包括5个模板），你可能会从中获得一些灵感。
产品路线图是最重要的产品工具之一。本篇介绍如何在2020年创建你的产品路线图（包括5个模板），你可能会从中获得一些灵感。
记住，工具就像锚一样，它的作用是帮助我们来协调管理灵感，最终实现你的目标。特别对于团队协作得工作，因为有很多异地沟通，所以我们可以通过一些程序来改善沟通得结果。
Roadmap路线图是产品领域的无名英雄之一。虽然最初的头脑风暴和产品上线可能是个人产品经理的天才输出，但如何绘制你的路线才应该被认为是真正的长远之道。与其说做roadmap是一件沉闷的事情，不如可以调整下，理解是一种兴奋的期待未来产品成功的表达。
创建产品路线图Roadmap的原则
1. 持有随时调整优化的能力Hold the ability to improvise
作为PM，你被认为拥有随时调整优化的能力。特别在技术领域，因为事情发展得太快，情况很容易向意想不到的方向发展。一个有经验的产品经理应该对这些陷阱有所准备，但记住，即使是最聪明的思想家面对未来某些程度来说也是毫无准备。
As PMs, you are assumed to hold an ability to improvise. In tech, things move so fast that a situation can easily move to unexpected corners. An experienced product person should be prepared for [these pitfalls], but even the smartest thought leaders are unprepared for the future.
所以，第一个建议是：提前做好计划，但如果有什么变化，要做好抛弃原有计划的准备。也就是说，产品路线图是一个很好的工具，实际上可以预见错误。
So the first advice: plan ahead, but be ready to discard the plan if anything changes. That said, a Product Roadmap is a good tool to actually anticipate mistakes.
简单地说，你将能够评估漏洞，了解一个功能可能会在哪里变得复杂或形成瓶颈。很有用，对吧？
Simply, you will be able to assess vulnerabilities, understand where a feature might get complicated or a bottleneck might form. Useful, right?
路线图还可以帮助你在特定的领域内建立商业意识，因为你必须为吸引潜在的客户做一个样板。
Roadmaps can also help you establish commercial awareness within a particular sector, [as you have to make a case for potential customers and the way to attract them.]
这就是为什么在做其他事情之前，你必须先做一些调查。如果你在一个成熟的组织工作，你很可能有既定的产品方针和特定的商业方向。
This is why, before doing anything else, you have to do some research. If you work at an established organization, you are likely to have set product guidelines and a particular commercial direction.
2. 知道不应该包括什么Knowing what not to include
知道什么是不应该包括的，与知道什么是你希望包括的一样重要。如果你有良好的沟通渠道，那么说 "不 "应该不会引起团队内部和团队之间的冲突。
At this point, you should be aware that knowing what *not *to include is as important as knowing what you wish to include. If you have good communication channels, saying “no” should cause no conflicts within and between your teams.
一旦你们有了大致的愿景，就需要达成共识；如果这一点无法达成，那么至少应该对齐目标。
Once you have a general vision in place, you need to breed consensus; if this is not achievable, then alignment should be enough.
但是，在这个阶段获得组织内部的认可是至关重要的：就是在你起草路线图过程中让整体团队了解情况。这是因为如果你在后期落地时受到质疑，路线图可以成为你很好的背书。你们可以随时参考它：“当时我们都同意这样做，还记得吗？”
But gaining acceptance within the organization at this stage is vital: as well as keeping teams informed when you progress in your drafting. This is because the roadmap can become your go-to source of legitimacy if you are questioned during its application. You can always refer back to it: we *all *agreed to this, remember?
另一个需要尊重的特殊原则是 "媒介即信息"。如果你面对质疑或询问时不能以简单、直接、有效的方式描绘出对应的结果；那么最好回到规划的原点。赢得人心才是王道，如果你不能与内部受众建立联系，你的产品就不会走得很远。这为你未来需要对外部利益相关者的沟通活动提供了很好的实践。
Another special principle to be respected is “the medium is the message”. If you are not able to portray the result of your inquiries and planning in a simple, direct and effective way; then go back to the drawing board. Winning hearts and minds is what it’s all about, and you will not get very far with your product if you cannot connect with your internal audience. This provides excellent practice for the communication campaign you will need for external stakeholders.
3. 功能划分The categoritzation of features
最后的一些原则包括功能的分类。一个经验是建议你从大的开始，然后考虑那些可以解决更多问题还是有意思想之间的平衡。
Some final principles include the categorization of features. A rule of thumb suggests that you start with the big ones, and then think of the interstitial gaps that can solve more problems and suggest ideas at the same time.
让它们 "按主题 "排列也有很大的帮助：比如，你们可以制定一些重要的 "核心功能"，就可以可能会产生大部分价值的东西。然后，围绕这些功能分配任务。
Having them “thematically” arranged also helps a great deal: for instance, you can draft important “cores” where most value will be generated. Then, allocate tasks around those features.
4. 任务繁重程度Levels of effort
最后，应该与工程师协商了解任务的繁重程度。确保你与技术团队有良好的沟通渠道。
产品路线图应该包括哪些内容？
Finally, Levels of Effort should be consulted with engineers. Make sure that you have good communication channels with your technical teams.
产品路线图应该包括什么？What Should I Include on a Product Roadmap?
以下是理想产品路线图应该包括内容的简要列表。
Here is a brief list of the desired contents that a Product Roadmap should include:
时间线A timeline:
这是至关重要的，是路线图关键目标之一。知道前面还有什么事情，每个阶段可能要花多长时间，什么会导致途中的延误......这对很多事情都有帮助，从预算到与大公司内其他产品发布的协调，都有帮助。
this is essential and possibly one of the key goals behind the map. Knowing what lies ahead, how long to spend at each phase, what could cause delays along the way… It is just all-around helpful for many reasons, from budgeting to coordinating with other product launches at big companies.任务描述Task descriptions:
没有必要穷尽所有需要action的清单并将分配给团队或个人。但你应该明确主要的任务，从一般功能开始，到具体细节功能结束。这将有助于从一开始就明确优先级、职责以及时间分配。
There is no need to exhaust the list of action points and allocate each one to teams or individuals. But you should pinpoint what is to be done, starting with general functions and finishing with specific ones. This will help clarify priorities, responsibilities and time allocation from the get-go.每阶段功能目标Goals at each phase and function:
就是目标和关键结果，就是那些对结果和时间敏感的东西。换句话说，随着计划的推进，用什么东西来衡量它的进展（或缺乏进展）。如果没有，那么就会感觉像瞎子走路一般。
These are the Objectives and Key Results, those of the product and those which are time-sensitive. In other words, as the plan moves forward there should be a way to measure its progress (or lack of it). Otherwise, it would feel like walking in the dark.数据值Data, data, and data:
虽然你不希望用数字来绘制你的路线图，但你应该能够用正确的数据来佐证每个决定的合理性。为什么这个功能是高优先级的？做这件事能得到什么好处？你应该有数字信息来支持这些。
While you do not want to draw your roadmap with numbers, you should be able to justify each decision with the right sort of data. Why is this function a priority? What can we gain from doing this last? You should have information to back that up.整体愿景Overall vision:
最后，这个路线图的每一个元素都应该证明并加强你的产品愿景。这就是你的产品所要寻求完成的使命。记住学习如何讲故事哦！
Finally, every single element of this roadmap should justify and reinforce your product vision. That is the mission that you are seeking to fulfill with your product. Learn how to tell a story!
简而言之，产品路线图是介于营销策略、商业计划、功能描述、基本任务和优先目标之间的东西，同时也是这些东西的整体描述。
In short, a Product Roadmap is somewhere in between a marketing strategy, a business plan, a feature description, a list of essential tasks and priority targets; all at the same time.
让我们看看这些在不同的例子中是怎么样的。
Let’s see how these are fleshed out across various examples.
5 产品路线路案例Product Roadmap Examples for 2020
让我们来看看一些不同的路线图方式，可以让你的产品在2020年更上一层楼。
Let’s check out some diverse ways of roadmapping that can take your product to the next level in 2020.
1. 如果你需要兼顾不同的产品If you are juggling different products
如果你今年需要同时完成多种产品，这种类型的产品路线图将非常合适。虽然复杂了一些，但它可以帮助你有效地协调。记住，一定不要因为信息过多而让roadmap过于臃肿：你的综合能力对于跨同队协作非常重要。
This type of Product Roadmap will be very appropriate this year if you are working with different products at the same time. While adding complexity, it can help you coordinate effectively. Make sure not to bloat it with information: your synthesis skills are extremely necessary so this becomes usable across teams.
这种类型对于大公司来说更有帮助，可以解决很多沟通上的问题，让工作顺利进行，不用开那么多烦人的会议。
This is more helpful for large companies and can solve many communication problems, allowing for smooth progress without the need for so many meetings.
2. 如果你是按照功能来组织工作的If you are organizing work by features
你的整个战略是否依赖于你为用户解决特定问题的能力？不用担心。其实你可以把你的产品计划做成一个专门的 "购物清单"，在这个清单中，你所需要的功能就是大家关注的中心。
Does your entire strategy rely on your ability to solve particular problems for your users? Not to worry. You can actually make your Product Plan a dedicated “shopping list” where your desired features are at the center of everybody’s attention.
这种模板特别适用于那些寻求变革特定行业或服务的数字电子化产品，需要确保协调所有功能同时完成。
This plan is particularly suited for digital products that are seeking to revolutionize a particular sector or service, and thus need to ensure that all functions are finished and coordinated at the same time.
3. 如果你是时间敏感型If you are time-conscious
这基本上是类似创业公司需要的模板类型。都说时间就是金钱，而大多数创业公司这两样东西都缺。通过坚持一个厚墙不倒的项目截止时间计划，为未来节省资源。
Here’s one for the startups. They say time is money, and most startups lack both. Save for the future by sticking to a plan where deadlines are in a privileged position.
此外，对于远程工作的团队来说，这也非常有用，因为他们缺乏与总部的日常联系，容易错过重要信息。这样一来，每个人都可以清楚产品开发的每个阶段的目标是什么。
Additionally, it can be a useful picture for teams that work remotely, as their lack of day-to-day contact with the office can surely make them miss vital information. This way, everyone is clear on what are the goals for each stage of product development.
4. 如果你想把营销策略具体化If you want to flesh out your marketing strategy
你可能已经有一个伟大的产品了，但它竞争太激烈了，你需要一个坚实的营销计划来推进。
You might have in your hands a great product, but it is surrounded by so much competition that you need a solid marketing plan to bring it to fruition.
这个模板非常适合那些已经解决了所有技术问题，但在市场敏锐度和客户共鸣方面需要一点推动力的团队。
This Plan is great for those teams that have sorted all technical issues but need a bit of a push in terms of market acumen and customer empathy. Try this template here.
5. 如果你遵循的是敏捷框架If you are following the agile framework
敏捷是基于团队实际工作的方式。这个原则的集合指导你以一种快速、协作、团队导向和注重质量的方式来创建产品。
Agile is based on how teams actually work. This collection of principles guide you to building something but in a rapid, collaborative, team-oriented and quality-focused way.
这个模板对于大部分情况都是非常通用的，但你需要知道如何使用它。它是基于不断改进优化，在欢迎挑战和优化流程的同时寻求满足客户的需求。熟悉SCRUM框架的人会发现这个模板是通往产品成功的终极高速公路。
This plan is extremely versatile for any situation, but you need to know how to use it. It is based on constant improvement, seeking to satisfy the customer while welcoming challenges and optimizing the process. Those familiar with the** SCRUM framework** will find this Plan the ultimate highway to product success.
如果你的公司需要更多的模板起点，FYI提供了几个不错产品路线图的例子.。
If you need more template starting points in your company, FYI provides several great examples of product roadmaps
关于实施产品路线图的最后说明 Last Notes on Implementing Your Product Roadmap
希望其中有一两个例子应该适合你目前的情况。
Hopefully, one or two of these examples should fit your current situation.
规划之后，就要开始实施了! 如上文所写，产品路线图与其说是GPS，不如说是传统的导航图，它是由艺术和科学的组合，但是并不能预测未来。然而，有一些常见的错误你可以尽量避免。
After planning, it’s time for implementing! As written above, a Product Roadmap is less of a GPS and more of a traditional navigation map. It is made with a mixture of art and science, and cannot possibly predict the future. However, there are some common mistakes you can avoid.
构建产品路线图时需要避免的常见错误Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Product Roadmap
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专注于无用的功能Focusing on useless features.
听着，我们都有过这样的经历。这一切在纸上看起来是如此完美。它甚至设计得很精美。但是，在用户测试和测试版推出后，似乎没有人真正关心你产品的这部分。为什么要坚持在上面工作，浪费了可以花在更重要事情的宝贵时间呢？
Listen, we have all been there. It all looked so perfect on paper. It is even beautifully designed. But, after user testing and the beta launch, it seems that nobody really cares about this part of your product. Why insist on working on it, wasting precious time that can be spent on your crown jewels? -
对某些功能感觉过于执着Feeling too attached to certain features.
在漫长的路线图中，可能会发生你提供的特定服务变得过时的情况。你的团队可能会花很多时间去想如何将这个衰退的功能与产品的其他功能同等看待。忘掉它吧。放下它，然后继续前进。
This is a similar point, but for final features. It can happen that, within a long roadmap, particular services that you offer become obsolete. Your team can spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to square this declining feature with the rest of the product. Forget it. Drop it, and move on. -
太听某些团队的意见Listening too much to certain teams,
尤其是那些下游的团队。好吧，如你所知，你是 "产品的CEO"，但不是真正可以统筹一切的CEO，其他团队与你更多是的是横向的联系关系。那些与你的最终用户、市场人员和销售人员联系更紧密的人，可能会更热衷于提供建议。但是如果遇到冲突意见时，只需对照你的计划来沟通，不要太受他们的影响!
especially those down the stream. Well, as you know, you are “the CEO of your product”, but not the CEO. But the actual CEO could chip in, or other teams that are more horizontally related to you. It is possible that those more connected with your final users, marketers, and salespeople, will be more eager to provide advice. When in conflict, simply have a chat over your plan, but don’t be too influenced by them! -
抄袭竞争对手Copying the competition.
不要因为别人的做法看起来很成功，就一味地复制。在科技的世界里，恰好很多团队可以同时在做同一件事。谁说你的解决方案会是失败的那一个？坚持你的原则：你可能需要重新评估你最初的计划，但不要因为下面的人在做完全不同的事情就完全放弃。
Do not just copy what others are doing because it seems successful. In the world of tech, it so happens that many teams can be working on the same thing at the same time. Who says that your solution will be the losing one? Stick to your principles: you might need to reevaluate your initial plans, but do not just drop them altogether because guys down the road are doing something completely different. -
出于绝望而做的事情Doing something out of desperation.
可能发生的情况是，一切似乎都是一场灾难，没有任何事情按照计划进行，你所有试图将船驶向不同方向的努力都是徒劳的。不要慌张! 回到你最初的灵感，检查你的数字，回顾你的研究，定位痛点。如果你采取任何行动，确保要让它与你的计划愿景相一致。
It could happen that everything seems a disaster, nothing goes according to plan and all your attempts to steer the ship in a different direction are in vain. Don’t panic! Go back to your initial inspiration, check your numbers, review your research and locate the pain points. If you take any action, make it so it is coherent with your plan’s vision.
所有建议只适用于你一开始就认真起草路线图Roadmap的情况。所以请务必仔细阅读并思考。
Obviously, this advice only applies if you took seriously drafting a roadmap in the first place. Make sure to read the whole post to get the general picture.
