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Feature Roadmap

Feature Roadmap in Software Development

A feature roadmap in the context of software development is a visual timeline that outlines what a product team is working on and when they plan to deliver it. Here are the key points:

  1. Definition: - A feature roadmap provides a detailed view of the specific functionality or improvements that the product team is building. - It includes information about what features will be developed and when they are expected to be delivered. - Essentially, it's a way to communicate the product plans to the team and other stakeholders.

  2. Key Components: - Features: These are the building blocks of a product. A feature can be a specific capability, component, or performance upgrade that you deliver to end users.

    • Features should include:
    • Strategy: How the feature aligns with product goals and initiatives.
    • Description: What the feature will do and which problem(s) it aims to solve.
    • Requirements: Capabilities needed to deliver the feature.
    • Timing: Expected delivery timeline.
    • Ownership: Responsible team member(s) for completing the work.
    • Product Goals and Initiatives: Features are linked to these overarching objectives.
    • Context: The roadmap provides context around how each feature supports the overall goals and which features will ship with each release.

  3. Benefits: - Alignment: It ensures that the product team is investing in work that matters and is aligned with goals. - Communication: Product managers use the features roadmap to communicate details to the cross-functional team and broader organization. - Action: It transforms product plans into action by specifying what will be done to deliver value to customers.

Using GitLab for Your Feature Roadmap

GitLab provides a built-in Roadmap feature that allows you to visualize your feature development. Here's how you can use it:

  1. Access the Roadmap: * Go to your GitLab project. * Navigate to the Roadmap section (you can find it under Project > Roadmap).

  2. Customize Your Roadmap: - Select a date range to focus on. - Turn milestones on or off. - Choose whether to show all, group, subgroup, or project milestones. - Display open or closed epics. - Turn progress tracking for child issues on or off (you can use issue weights or counts). - Toggle labels as needed.

  3. Visualize Epics and Milestones: - Epics and milestones with start dates or due dates will appear on the roadmap. - GitLab displays them in the form of a timeline (similar to a Gantt chart). - You can view epics and milestones for a group, subgroup, or project.

Remember to keep your roadmap up-to-date as your project progresses. GitLab's roadmap feature helps you stay aligned and ensures that your team delivers features that matter to your users.

For more detailed instructions, refer to the GitLab Roadmap documentation.

Happy roadmapping! 🚀

Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/02/2025 1. What is a features roadmap? Best practices for capturing detailed 1. Free Feature Roadmap Templates | Roadmunk 1. Product Roadmap Guide: What is it & How to Create One - Attlassian 1. Roadmap | GitLab