Visualizing Roadmaps: A Design-Driven Approach

Abstract

OVERVIEW:Because they are highly visual, roadmaps can be a strong enabler of communication between different stakeholder groups and across organizations. However, the visual design of roadmaps has been largely overlooked, with little attention given to their graphic design, undermining their value as communication tools. A design-driven approach to developing a roadmap template can help practitioners create a roadmap whose visual elements support their communication goals. The design process methodology begins by eliciting the key information that needs to be conveyed by the roadmap, so that content can be aligned to audience requirements. This distills a common voice and a set of consistent messages. The approach finishes with the design of tailored visual representations that can be used to present clear and meaningful narratives to specific stakeholders.