Why This Stage Matters
A roadmap turns your idea into a plan. It shows where you're going, how you'll get there, and what matters most along the way.
Good roadmaps help you:
- Stay focused on what's most important
- Share progress clearly
- Welcome collaborators without confusion
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and others
You don't need to map out every detail. Just make it easy to see what you're building and what comes next.
Step 1: Start With Your Goal
Your roadmap starts with a single question:
What do you want this project to achieve?
Be specific. Your goal might be:
- Launch a working MVP that helps teachers create accessible quizzes
- Build a basic CLI tool for secure note-taking with encryption
- Create a web app that helps nonprofits organize volunteer shifts
Write this goal at the top of your roadmap. It will guide every decision that follows.
Step 2: Break It Into Phases
Think of your roadmap in chunks. For example:
Phase 1 – MVP
- Core feature working
- Basic UI or CLI
- Public repo with documentation
Phase 2 – Feedback
- Share with 2 to 3 real users
- Fix top bugs or blockers
- Improve onboarding or setup
Phase 3 – Expansion
- Add requested features
- Improve accessibility or mobile support
- Begin growing community or contributors
Each phase is like a mini-milestone. Keep it short and flexible.
Step 3: Add Tasks for Each Phase
Now list the actual work for each phase. Be specific, but not overwhelming.
For example:
Phase 1 – MVP
- Set up repo with README
- Build form to enter quiz questions
- Export to PDF with basic formatting
- Add CLI flag to export as text
Tasks can be stored in your roadmap file, GitHub Issues, a public Trello board, whatever helps you stay on track.
Step 4: Show What's Done, What's Next, and What's Future
People love roadmaps they can understand at a glance. One way to do that is to organize tasks like this:
- ✅ Done
- 🔧 In Progress
- 📌 Planned
- 💡 Future Ideas
You can do this in a markdown list, GitHub project board, or anywhere visible. Even a section in your README works.
Step 5: Keep It Public and Update Often
Your roadmap should be easy to find. Post it in your README or link to a roadmap.md file.
Keep it updated when something changes, like if a feature gets delayed or completed. This helps potential contributors and users know what to expect.
Tips for a Good Roadmap
- Focus on real impact, not just technical goals
- Don’t overload early phases with too many features
- Make it easy for others to suggest additions or improvements
- It’s a living document, update as your project evolves
TL;DR
- A roadmap shows where your project is going and what matters most
- Break your goals into realistic phases with clear tasks
- Show progress with simple labels like Done or In Progress
- Keep it public and update often so others can follow along