I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Best Roadmapping Tool
People frequently ask me what the very best roadmapping tool is.
While I use a number of tools in my day-to-day work, I find that "old faithful" always turns out to be the lowly 3x5 index card.
I use cards of different colors to represent different types of roadmapping concepts -- green for products/services, yellow for features/capabilities, etc. The cards are used in every step of roadmap development. For example, the priority ranking of each feature/capability gets written directly on the card at the end of the prioritization workshop. I typically keep the cards on one wall of my office while they are not actively being used in a workshop -- this lets people come by and add new cards or add comments/notes to existing ones. Here is what the wall looked like on my last project:
Finally, index cards are cheap!
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Roadmapping Tools Update
It's been a while since my last post -- I've been busy working on e-Services roadmaps for the public sector (more on that later).
Many people ask me about the best "roadmapping tools". There isn't a single answer to this question, due to the fact that there are many different types of roadmaps.
I will identify three tools here, however, and point out where they best apply.
The tools are Accolade Vision Strategist (www.sopheon.com), Accept360 (www.accept360.com) and Onedesk (www.onedesk.com).
If your intent is strategic planning at the (medium to large) enterprise level, then Vision Strategist is the right tool for you. I created a Wordle from their product information and you can see prominent words associated with strategic planning:
If your interest is product planning across a portfolio, then both Accept360 or Onedesk represent good choices. Although comparable in many respects, Onedesk has more to offer in the requirements gathering space (including social media), while Accept360 has more to offer on the product planning side. I again created Wordles (you can tell I am hooked on these) from their corresponding product briefings, from which you can see the respective emphasis on requirements gathering vs. product planning:
Please note that none of these products represent "standalone" roadmapping tools.
Until next time...
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Meanwhile I have created a portable hardcopy version of my roadmapping methodology. It consists of a series of photo business cards, each depicting a step in the method. I bought a nice metal card case for it so I can look professional when presenting the methodology to clients. Here is a photo of the case, as well as a few of the cards themselves:
If you'd like to try my approach, just send me a $75 cheque for the set (cards and case) -- price includes postage.
Make your cheque payable to "Dan Murray" and mail it to Dan Murray, 10040 Hyndman Rd, RR#2 Mountain, Ontario Canada, K0E 1S0
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Meanwhile I have created a portable hardcopy version of my roadmapping methodology. It consists of a series of photo business cards, each depicting a step in the method. I bought a nice metal card case for it so I can look professional when presenting the methodology to clients. Here is a photo of the case, as well as a few of the cards themselves:
Monday, April 6, 2009
Roadmapping Tools
One thing that is very difficult to find is a decent roadmapping tool at a decent price. If you have access to Excel and Powerpoint, I suggest you take a look at the 280 Group's "Requirements Prioritization Matrix and Roadmap Templates", available at the following site:
http://www.280group.com/shareware/freerequirementsroadmapmatrix.htm
Another way to get around the tools problem is to realize that there are four key aspects to the roadmapping process (and that each aspect can be automated separately):
- identification of the roadmap elements (e.g. candidate technology features)
- prioritization of the roadmap elements
- grouping of the roadmap elements (e.g. grouping technology features into products)
- creation of the roadmap artifact (pretty pictures)
The first aspect can be addressed using tools that allow us to perform a brainstorming exercise, such as Mindjet's MindManager (or 3x5 index cards if we don't want to drop 500 crispy samolias for MindManager).
The second and third aspects can be addressed using tools that allow us to capture attributes of roadmap elements to inform our prioritization, such as Excel or Access.
The final aspect can be addressed using a tool that allows us to paint pretty pictures, such as Powerpoint or Visio.
Note that the 280 Group's offering described earlier in this post basically consists of templates to expedite our use of Excel and Powerpoint.
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Meanwhile I have created a portable hardcopy version of my roadmapping methodology. It consists of a series of photo business cards, each depicting a step in the method. I bought a nice metal card case for it so I can look professional when presenting the methodology to clients. Here is a photo of the case, as well as a few of the cards themselves:
If you'd like to try my approach, just send me a $75 cheque for the set (cards and case) -- price includes postage.
Make your cheque payable to "Dan Murray" and mail it to Dan Murray, 10040 Hyndman Rd, RR#2 Mountain, Ontario Canada, K0E 1S0
http://www.280group.com/shareware/freerequirementsroadmapmatrix.htm
Another way to get around the tools problem is to realize that there are four key aspects to the roadmapping process (and that each aspect can be automated separately):
- identification of the roadmap elements (e.g. candidate technology features)
- prioritization of the roadmap elements
- grouping of the roadmap elements (e.g. grouping technology features into products)
- creation of the roadmap artifact (pretty pictures)
The first aspect can be addressed using tools that allow us to perform a brainstorming exercise, such as Mindjet's MindManager (or 3x5 index cards if we don't want to drop 500 crispy samolias for MindManager).
The second and third aspects can be addressed using tools that allow us to capture attributes of roadmap elements to inform our prioritization, such as Excel or Access.
The final aspect can be addressed using a tool that allows us to paint pretty pictures, such as Powerpoint or Visio.
Note that the 280 Group's offering described earlier in this post basically consists of templates to expedite our use of Excel and Powerpoint.
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Meanwhile I have created a portable hardcopy version of my roadmapping methodology. It consists of a series of photo business cards, each depicting a step in the method. I bought a nice metal card case for it so I can look professional when presenting the methodology to clients. Here is a photo of the case, as well as a few of the cards themselves:
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Review - Sopheon Vision Strategist
The purpose of this article is to take a brief look at a roadmapping application (Alignent Vision Strategist).
As you have probably discovered, the degree to which the roadmapping process is automated is really up to you.
At the low end, you can get by with a word processing application (e.g. MS Word) and some basic drawing tools (e.g. MS Visio). The implication here is that the roadmapping process is completely manual. In this scenario, the roadmap itself is more suited to communication than analysis. The extent to which the roadmap is a living arifact boils down to how often you decide to conduct the manual process (e.g. quartlerly) and update the associated roadmap documentation.
In the mid-range, you can use a tool or tools to support the semantics of roadmapping. For example, although MS Project was not intended as a roadmapping tool, the semantics of project management are sufficiently close to those of roadmapping that you can use MS Project to create and maintain a (basic) roadmap. Alternately, you might consider some freeware/shareware that supports basic roadmapping (leave a comment with your email address and I'll be happy to suggest one).
At the top end, you can use a tool that was specifically designed with roadmapping in mind, such as the Alignent Vision Strategist.
After trying the tool out, here are my observations:
Pros
- this is more than a roadmapping tool, it is really a general-purpose repository with built-in support for roadmapping concepts, hence you will find all the features that you would normally associate with a bona fide repository
- supports analysis as well as communication
- roadmap is a living artifact
- product is easy to use (if you already understand roadmapping concepts)
Cons
- since this is more than a simple roadmapping tool, the price tag may cause you to faint off momentarily, hence you should remain seated when reviewing a quote from the vendor
- the graphics are effective but not flashy, hence if you want to make a presentation to the board, you will still need to retain the services of a graphic artist to embellish the output
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Meanwhile I have created a portable hardcopy version of my roadmapping methodology. It consists of a series of photo business cards, each depicting a step in the method. I bought a nice metal card case for it so I can look professional when presenting the methodology to clients. Here is a photo of the case, as well as a few of the cards themselves:
If you'd like to try my approach, just send me a $75 cheque for the set (cards and case) -- price includes postage.
Make your cheque payable to "Dan Murray" and mail it to Dan Murray, 10040 Hyndman Rd, RR#2 Mountain, Ontario Canada, K0E 1S0
As you have probably discovered, the degree to which the roadmapping process is automated is really up to you.
At the low end, you can get by with a word processing application (e.g. MS Word) and some basic drawing tools (e.g. MS Visio). The implication here is that the roadmapping process is completely manual. In this scenario, the roadmap itself is more suited to communication than analysis. The extent to which the roadmap is a living arifact boils down to how often you decide to conduct the manual process (e.g. quartlerly) and update the associated roadmap documentation.
In the mid-range, you can use a tool or tools to support the semantics of roadmapping. For example, although MS Project was not intended as a roadmapping tool, the semantics of project management are sufficiently close to those of roadmapping that you can use MS Project to create and maintain a (basic) roadmap. Alternately, you might consider some freeware/shareware that supports basic roadmapping (leave a comment with your email address and I'll be happy to suggest one).
At the top end, you can use a tool that was specifically designed with roadmapping in mind, such as the Alignent Vision Strategist.
After trying the tool out, here are my observations:
Pros
- this is more than a roadmapping tool, it is really a general-purpose repository with built-in support for roadmapping concepts, hence you will find all the features that you would normally associate with a bona fide repository
- supports analysis as well as communication
- roadmap is a living artifact
- product is easy to use (if you already understand roadmapping concepts)
Cons
- since this is more than a simple roadmapping tool, the price tag may cause you to faint off momentarily, hence you should remain seated when reviewing a quote from the vendor
- the graphics are effective but not flashy, hence if you want to make a presentation to the board, you will still need to retain the services of a graphic artist to embellish the output
I am thinking of creating a simple/inexpensive roadmapping tool for iPad and would like your feedback as to the features you would like to see in it -- just post a comment if you can think of anything.
Meanwhile I have created a portable hardcopy version of my roadmapping methodology. It consists of a series of photo business cards, each depicting a step in the method. I bought a nice metal card case for it so I can look professional when presenting the methodology to clients. Here is a photo of the case, as well as a few of the cards themselves:
Monday, November 5, 2007
Key Points - NRM Medical Systems Roadmap
Due to the combination of personal compatibility with pharmaceutical effectiveness, it will be increasingly possible to harmonise the particular therapy with the patient's genetic makeup for drug metabolism, absorption, transport, and elimination, leading to a predictive medicine.
Nanoparticles will play one of the most important roles in future drug based therapy, due to their unique biological, chemical and physical properties.
The magnetic/ thermal behaviour of certain types of nanoparticles combined with other specific properties opens a wider spectrum of therapeutical methods such as nanoparticles based thermotherapy.
The deepened and more distinctive knowledge about the very specific acting agent, its predictable interaction with the target, its kinetic and predictable metabolism within the body in the forefront of any drug internalisation will lead to shortened experimentally validated approvals.
Against the background of an expected annual growth rate of the medical devices market by 5 -- 6% and medical imaging systems representing about 8 % of the total devices market7, this is a surprising result because the segments imaging tools and imaging agents, including contrast media and radiopharmaceuticals, can certainly benefit from an advanced technology, based on a deeper understanding of materials and cellular activities.
Nanoparticles will play one of the most important roles in future drug based therapy, due to their unique biological, chemical and physical properties.
The magnetic/ thermal behaviour of certain types of nanoparticles combined with other specific properties opens a wider spectrum of therapeutical methods such as nanoparticles based thermotherapy.
The deepened and more distinctive knowledge about the very specific acting agent, its predictable interaction with the target, its kinetic and predictable metabolism within the body in the forefront of any drug internalisation will lead to shortened experimentally validated approvals.
Against the background of an expected annual growth rate of the medical devices market by 5 -- 6% and medical imaging systems representing about 8 % of the total devices market7, this is a surprising result because the segments imaging tools and imaging agents, including contrast media and radiopharmaceuticals, can certainly benefit from an advanced technology, based on a deeper understanding of materials and cellular activities.
Key Points - Gen IV Nuclear Energy Systems Roadmap
There are currently 438 nuclear power plants in operation around the world, producing 16% of the world's electricity---the largest share provided by any nongreenhouse-gas-emitting source.
The organization and execution of the roadmap became the responsibility of a Roadmap Integration Team that is advised by the Subcommittee on Generation IV Technology Planning of the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee (NERAC).
As preparations for the Generation IV Technology Roadmap began, it was necessary to establish goals for these nuclear energy systems.
In addition to overall summaries regarding fuel cycles and overall sustainability, the section describes missions and economic outlook, approach to safety and reliability, and path forward on proliferation resistance and physical protection.
As a reference case, the FCCG determined waste generation and resource use for the once-through cycle.
The traditional mission for civilian nuclear systems has been generation of electricity, and several evolutionary systems with improved economics and safety are likely in the near future to continue fulfilling this mission.
Eight candidate reactor designs were evaluated with respect to six commercialization and regulatory readiness criteria, including advanced boiling water reactors, pressurized water reactors, and gas-cooled reactors.
Crosscutting R&D for evaluation methods is found in the Crosscutting R&D sections on fuel cycles, risk and safety, economics, and proliferation resistance and physical protection.
The organization and execution of the roadmap became the responsibility of a Roadmap Integration Team that is advised by the Subcommittee on Generation IV Technology Planning of the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee (NERAC).
As preparations for the Generation IV Technology Roadmap began, it was necessary to establish goals for these nuclear energy systems.
In addition to overall summaries regarding fuel cycles and overall sustainability, the section describes missions and economic outlook, approach to safety and reliability, and path forward on proliferation resistance and physical protection.
As a reference case, the FCCG determined waste generation and resource use for the once-through cycle.
The traditional mission for civilian nuclear systems has been generation of electricity, and several evolutionary systems with improved economics and safety are likely in the near future to continue fulfilling this mission.
Eight candidate reactor designs were evaluated with respect to six commercialization and regulatory readiness criteria, including advanced boiling water reactors, pressurized water reactors, and gas-cooled reactors.
Crosscutting R&D for evaluation methods is found in the Crosscutting R&D sections on fuel cycles, risk and safety, economics, and proliferation resistance and physical protection.
Key Points - Biopharmaceutical Industry Roadmap
The proposals are aimed at strengthening early-stage companies so that they can advance further along the development chain: from proof-of-principle to Phase I, II and III clinical trials and finally to full regulatory approval of their therapies.
Cancer, the second leading cause of death exceeded only by heart disease, is poorly served by traditional chemotherapies and a major opportunity area for drug development.
Research to find connections between diseases, molecular targets such as an enzyme or receptor protein implicated in the disease process (biology phase), and drug molecules (chemistry phase) capable of modulating the biological activity of the target.
Drug discovery is often perceived as a process that proceeds linearly from gene discovery to gene function (target identification) followed by target validation, combinatorial chemistry, high-through-put screening, hit selection, and lead optimization.
Cancer, the second leading cause of death exceeded only by heart disease, is poorly served by traditional chemotherapies and a major opportunity area for drug development.
Research to find connections between diseases, molecular targets such as an enzyme or receptor protein implicated in the disease process (biology phase), and drug molecules (chemistry phase) capable of modulating the biological activity of the target.
Drug discovery is often perceived as a process that proceeds linearly from gene discovery to gene function (target identification) followed by target validation, combinatorial chemistry, high-through-put screening, hit selection, and lead optimization.
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