![\"Project](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Project-roadmap-cover.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- A project roadmap visually depicts a project\u2019s goals, milestones, and deliverables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Project roadmaps are mainly created for external use, while project plans are mostly used internally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A project roadmap should include project goals, milestones, deliverables, task dependencies, risks, resources, and timelines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The roadmap should be updated regularly throughout project development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You can use project management tools and templates to create an efficient project roadmap.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is a roadmap in project management?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A project roadmap is a timeline of the project\u2019s objectives, milestones, and deliverables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project managers create the project roadmap, outlining the possible risks, dependencies<\/a> between activities, and necessary resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project roadmap is created before the project starts, but it\u2019s used as a guide throughout the project\u2019s life cycle to make sure it stays on track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project roadmap vs project plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The project roadmap and the project plan are both vital documents created before any work on the project starts. However, they are 2 separate documents that each serve a different purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A project roadmap offers a high-level overview of the project\u2019s phases and steps. It\u2019s mostly created for stakeholders<\/a> who can get an idea of the project\u2019s timeline by merely looking at it. When the project is underway, project managers<\/a> can also present its progress by pinpointing the current state on the roadmap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, a project plan<\/a> is a document that also outlines the project timeline but in much more detail. Unlike the project roadmap, it\u2019s mostly designed to be an internal tool for team members and their managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project plans include detailed information about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The project scope<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The approved budget and cost management,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Resource management,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The timeline and schedule,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Risk management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why do you need a project roadmap?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The 3 main reasons every project manager needs a project roadmap are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Proper task prioritization,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Better communication with stakeholders throughout the planning process, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Early risk detection. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Once the project development starts, it becomes more challenging to keep the focus on important milestones.<\/strong> However, having a set project roadmap helps teams stay on track and check at any point in time what they should focus on. This way, no resources or time are wasted in vain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meetings and check-ins with stakeholders should also be held on a regular basis to update them on the project\u2019s progress. During these meetings, project managers usually present what the team has done so far, without getting into too much detail. That\u2019s when the project roadmap comes in handy as it provides a clear overview of objectives<\/strong> and whether they\u2019ve been accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, remember that according to recent project management statistics<\/a>, ignoring red flags is one of the reasons projects fail<\/a>, so managers should pay close attention to the early signs of failure. Luckily, when the progress made is compared to the roadmap\u2019s timeline, project managers can easily see if there\u2019s a risk<\/strong> some deliverables won\u2019t be ready on time or if the project is going off the rails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nFree project management software<\/h2>\n
Spot the red flags early by managing your projects with Plaky. Try it for free!<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Download<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/default.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat should a project roadmap include?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A project roadmap should contain the following elements: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Project goals<\/strong> \u2014 clearly outline the objectives of the project,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Milestones<\/strong> \u2014 break down the project into phases and set regular milestones that must be achieved at certain points during project development,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Deliverables<\/strong> \u2014 define what needs to be delivered in a concise way,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Project timeline<\/strong> \u2014 place all the project phases and activities on a timeline so that the project team and stakeholders know what needs to be finished and when,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Task dependencies<\/strong> \u2014 highlight the dependencies between connected activities so that everyone will know at a glance if their assignments depend on the timely delivery of others and vice versa,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Resources<\/strong> \u2014 allocate the budget and people efforts necessary to complete the project, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Risks<\/strong> \u2014 write down the project risks and how to mitigate them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to create a project roadmap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Creating a roadmap in project management<\/a> is rather easy when you know exactly what it must include. We\u2019ve listed the necessary steps to creating a project roadmap below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 Define project objectives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The project roadmap is a guide, meaning it should be short and to the point. Therefore, the defined project high-level goals and objectives should be realistic and concise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDeliver a 5-minute video on the newest software features by December 23.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The details will then be incorporated into documents such as the project charter<\/a> and the project plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 Identify milestones and deliverables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Break down the project into phases and set a milestone<\/a> for each. This will make it easier for the project team, product owners<\/a>, and stakeholders to know exactly which chunks are completed and how much more there is to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each project phase can then be further split into action items<\/a> and specific deliverables. But remember there\u2019s no need to go into great detail \u2014 a simple list will do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to learn more about deliverables in project management, check out our guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What Is a Deliverable in Project Management?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#3 Define dependencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dependencies are relationships between project activities<\/a>. Some tasks simply can\u2019t start before others are completed, like filming scenes and then editing them to create a video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sequencing activities will help you visualize the project schedule and workflow so that you can identify bottlenecks before they happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want to go more in-depth about dependencies in project management? Read our guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Dependencies in Project Management: Types + Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#4 Estimate time and resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once you define milestones and deliverables, you can start estimating the time and resources necessary to achieve them. This means realistically evaluating the number of hours or days for each activity, the costs of required materials, and employee compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no need to be surgically precise, but these evaluations will also be useful for other more detailed documents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When making your estimates, make sure to leave enough space for the tasks to be completed without overly rushing the team \u2014 but don\u2019t stretch out the deadlines too much to avoid disappointing stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 Outline the project timeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Place the defined milestones and deliverables on a project timeline<\/a> so that the stakeholders can be informed of its duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step should be fairly easy if you\u2019ve already defined the activities, their relationships, and their duration. All that\u2019s left to do is put them on a calendar so that everyone involved can get an accurate idea of the project timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try one of our free project timeline templates that come in various formats, depending on your needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 11 Free Project Timeline Templates<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#6 Identify potential risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Including potential risks in the roadmap can help you keep a close eye on them and step in with predefined mitigation strategies as soon as the first red flags show up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the obstacles to successful project completion can be related to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Resources,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Task dependencies,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Team members, or <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Other internal or external factors. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about risks in project management in our guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What Is Risk in Project Management?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#7 Present the project roadmap visually<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create a visual representation of the project roadmap so that it\u2019s easier to understand and follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few ways to illustrate the roadmap, including using a project roadmap template and creating a Gantt chart in project management software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, having a template will save you plenty of time and provide a uniform look for all your projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use premade, ready-to-use project roadmap templates for free and adjust them to your needs. Here\u2019s a Plaky template that you can download right away and create your project roadmap:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get our project roadmap template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Project](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Project-roadmap-template-1.png\")
Project roadmap template<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Alternatively, project management software like Plaky<\/a> can help you organize your activities and visually present a roadmap in a Gantt chart<\/a>. Tracking activities, collaborating with your team, and displaying the project roadmap as a timeline using only one tool is a very efficient way to manage your projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to find out more about the options you have in Plaky, check out the following pages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Getting started with Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plaky features<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nTrack your project\u2019s journey with Gantt chart software<\/h2>\n
Tired of Kanban? Try viewing your projects in a Gantt chart! Start your free 14-day Plaky trial today.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/landing-4.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n#8 Review and update your roadmap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The project roadmap is not a static document \u2014 it constantly changes as the project develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The primary purpose of the roadmap is to serve as a guide, but the longer it takes to complete a project, the more likely it is that unforeseen circumstances will happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, the project roadmap should be constantly reviewed and updated to reflect the changes that impact the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for creating a project roadmap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Creating a project roadmap can be challenging, especially for inexperienced project managers. Here are a few tips on how to deliver a good project roadmap:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Keep information short, clear, and concise<\/strong> \u2014 a roadmap should provide an overview of the projects, so make sure all important information is provided at a glance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t go into detail about project activities<\/strong> \u2014 a project plan will give a detailed description of each activity while a roadmap only needs to display an outline of the project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Define assignment responsibilities<\/strong> \u2014 stating whose responsibility it is to deliver certain results makes each team role clear immediately and reveals right away whether someone will have too much on their plate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set realistic deadlines<\/strong> \u2014 the stakeholders may be impatient to see the project finished as soon as possible, but you must also pay attention to the quality of the results and give the team enough time to complete their tasks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Involve the <\/strong>project team members<\/strong><\/a> and stakeholders when defining milestones and estimates<\/strong> \u2014 no matter how seasoned project managers are, it\u2019s better to check with those who are actually performing the tasks whether the timeline has been estimated correctly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use software that facilitates communication and collaboration<\/strong> \u2014 using whiteboards, phones, and spreadsheets can do more damage than good as information gets easily scattered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure to check and update the roadmap regularly<\/strong> \u2014 projects need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and these changes should be reflected on the roadmap at all times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nBuild your project roadmap with Plaky<\/h2>\n
Map out your roadmap in a flash. Try Plaky for free today!<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/landing-2.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nProject roadmap example<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We can use a project roadmap for various types of projects, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- IT,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Marketing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sales,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Business development, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s show how it works in an example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suppose you have a physical store and want to develop an E-commerce website to help you expand your sales. The project roadmap may look like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t go into detail about project activities<\/strong> \u2014 a project plan will give a detailed description of each activity while a roadmap only needs to display an outline of the project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plaky features<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Getting started with Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What Is Risk in Project Management?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- 11 Free Project Timeline Templates<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Dependencies in Project Management: Types + Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Milestones<\/strong> \u2014 break down the project into phases and set regular milestones that must be achieved at certain points during project development,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Project goals<\/strong> \u2014 clearly outline the objectives of the project,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The project scope<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/landing-4@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Project](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Plaky-project-roadmap.png\")