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INNOVATION ROAD MAPS
4.23.2009
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For the manager of complex product development, business planning and other innovation activities, it is crucial to organize information efficiently not only as a communication tool for the project team, but to provide a path for the activity. By systematizing the information visually, the process can be simplified and the goals and allocation of resources can be efficiently defined. Of course, finding and creating visualizations that do this well can be a tremendous effort in itself, however the rewards of properly created innovation visualization tools can be well worth it.
One of the main visualization tools that will be discussed in this article are road maps.
Road mapping is the practice of visualizing strategic planning information to communicate market, technology and product needs. Through the road mapping process, businesses and organizations achieve increased visibility across the enterprise, providing decision makers and management with information necessary to make more accurate and informed decisions about the development stream.
Road maps are useful for capturing long-range innovation and development plans. The technique and tools of "road mapping" are one way of adapting to change because the road map allows you to visualize the many dimensions involved in strategy-driven innovation, including:
- The "Big Picture" views of planning strategy
- Project time line
- Collaborating fields and dependencies
- Resources needed to support the strategy
- The changing patterns of relationships
