Member-only story
How to create an Outcome Oriented Product Roadmap using an Opportunity Solution Tree
Great execution of a product starts with a roadmap — a strategic overview that plots the course of product development. Traditionally product roadmaps have been a list of features to be developed over a set timeline, but with the rapid pace in which markets evolve, product teams require a more flexible, dynamic approach. Enter outcome-based roadmapping.
Unlike traditional roadmaps that focus on how fast you are building, outcome-based roadmaps focus on why you’re building. They emphasize the value a product brings to its users and how it contributes to business objectives. This holistic approach enables product teams to adapt to changes, customer feedback, and new insights, ensuring the product remains relevant and valuable over time.
But how can you effectively transition from a feature-centric to an outcome-centric roadmap? One powerful method involves integrating Teresa Torres’ Opportunity Solution Tree (OST) into your roadmapping process. Let’s look at how you can leverage the OST for outcome-based roadmapping and why it could be a game-changer for your product strategy.
The Shift from Feature-based to Outcome-based Roadmaps
Features are tangible objects that for the most part, give everyone a sense of comfort that something is being built. Yet, this approach often overlooks the dynamic nature of the product development process. It assumes that you know exactly what to build, ignoring valuable customer feedback and the potential for innovative problem-solving. The result? Products that fail to meet evolving customer needs and business goals.
To address this shortcoming, the product management field has seen a shift toward outcome-based roadmaps. These roadmaps focus on the value provided to customers and the business, rather than specific features. They enable product teams to pivot, adapt, and innovate in response to customer feedback and market changes.
