A product backlog is a prioritised list of features, improvements, bug fixes, and other tasks that need to be completed by the development team in order to release a product. The product specification is a live document that evolves as the product and market do and provides the development team with their requirements. Objects in the backlog are prioritized according to their business significance, their reliance on other projects, and their technical viability.
A product roadmap, on the other hand, is a visual representation of the product backlog that communicates the product’s direction to stakeholders and helps align the team on the product’s vision and goals. It is common practice to create a strategic document called a “product roadmap” that details the plan for delivering value over a set period of time, generally a quarter or a year. Rather than diving deep into the specifics of the product backlog items, it provides a high-level summary of the most important milestones and objectives.
In essence, the product backlog is a tactical list of work items for the development team, but the product roadmap is a strategic plan for delivering value to the client. Both help immensely in the product management process, although in different ways, and both are essential for the development of a commercial product.
Consider the following example:
Assume you’re the product manager for a new ride-sharing app. Your product backlog could include items such as “add in-app payment functionality,” “implement driver rating system,” “allow users to schedule rides ahead of time,” and “fix GPS tracking bug.” These items are prioritised based on their importance to the customer, technical feasibility, and any dependencies on other work items.
In contrast, your product roadmap may outline the plan to launch the app in a few major cities over the next six months. High-level initiatives such as “Beta testing in city X” in Q1, “Launch in city Y” in Q2, and “Expand to city Z” in Q3 could be included. The roadmap paints a clear picture of the product’s progress and direction, whereas the backlog details how to get there.
