Release roadmap template
Visualize release plans and dependencies so you can launch new experiences on schedule
Use template
About the release roadmap template
New releases excite customers and motivate the team. They are a huge cross-functional effort — requiring close coordination of dates, deliverables, and dependencies across teams. This Gantt-style release roadmap template can help you keep track of all those details. Use it to align the team around the "what" and "when" of your plans, so everyone can synchronize work and ultimately launch on time.
Included in the release roadmap template
This release roadmap template includes built-in capabilities like:
A menu of classic whiteboard features such as shapes, sticky notes, grids, and emojis
Quick-access to best practices and a pre-filled release roadmap example for guidance
Connectors to highlight cross-team dependencies
Inline comments to gather feedback, questions, and ideas from teammates
A voting tool to capture confidence votes
Presentation frames to easily share your work
Overview of the release roadmap template
Build a timeline for delivering a new customer experience with this release roadmap template. You can organize work into phases and customize which information to include, such as key milestones, features, and dependencies.
This template is ideal for preparing to launch a new product or release major new functionality. Update the view as work or dates shift, and share it with the broader team to promote alignment and transparency. Once plans are set, convert your whiteboard template into a structured roadmap or Gantt chart in Aha! Roadmaps so you can monitor progress as work gets underway.
How to use the release roadmap template
Ensure everyone understands exactly what needs to be done and when to release on time.
Set your release timeline: Update the timeline to show the release date range and customize calendar resolution. Adjust duration of the overall release bar to reflect your planned start and end dates.
Highlight phases and milestones: Include key phases of release work like design, development, QA, marketing launch activities, and sales and support training — selecting a custom color for each. Set milestones that need to be reached as you progress and capture dependencies between bodies of work.
Display essential features: Show timing of key features needed to deliver new customer experiences. Easily adjust timing of phases, milestones, and features to ensure your plan is realistic.
Build alignment: Share your whiteboard with the team to illustrate the plan. Update progress bars as you go to keep everyone in sync on the launch timeline and status.
FAQs about the release roadmap template
Why is a release roadmap important?
A release roadmap provides a high-level view of what work will be delivered and when. This gives product teams and stakeholders visibility into the plans, ensuring that everyone understands the timing and priorities for upcoming releases. A release roadmap can also help the team surface (and address) any dependencies or potential blockers to delivering on time.
What are some release roadmap best practices?
Resist adding too much detail. Keep your release roadmap focused on key milestones and the high-level plans that the broader team must know in order to bring a new customer experience to market. Also, as dates or details evolve, update your roadmap to keep stakeholders informed.
What is the difference between a release roadmap and a product roadmap?
A release roadmap captures the tactical work required to launch a new customer experience on time. A product roadmap, on the other hand, shows strategic information about your offering, such as long-term vision and goals. While a release roadmap focuses specifically on timing and delivery, a product roadmap provides a wider and more strategic view.
Is this template free to use?
Yes. To use this release roadmap template, sign up for a free 30-day trial of Aha! Whiteboards. (You can also try this template in Aha! Roadmaps if you need a complete product management solution.) Easily customize the template to suit your needs and then share it with as many people as you want (for free) to streamline collaboration.
