APH Product Roadmaps: Why We Do Them and How You Can Make an Impact

Each year we develop a product roadmap with a particular focus area that identifies gaps in our current offerings and necessary product updates. This year the focus is on Braille Technology. 

What Research Does APH Do to Determine a Vision for a Product Area? 

APH researches and assesses current issues, needs, and trends in the field for a particular subject area. Through this research, we develop a product roadmap to align with our strategic short-and long-term product planning throughout the product development cycle.  

This year’s focus is Braille Technology. The Braille Tech roadmap will focus on refreshable braille displays and technology for early braille learning. The focus of the research efforts will be from January to May. We will conduct online, and in-person focus groups and interviews. There will also be a survey widely distributed and promoted during this time. The results of the research will be shared with the field. 

What is a Product Roadmap? 

A product roadmap is a shared source of truth that outlines the vision, direction, priorities, and progress of a product over time. It’s a plan of action that aligns the organization around short and long-term goals for the different lines of products, and how they will be achieved. 

Product roadmaps provide a clear, consistent direction and planning framework for bringing an innovative vision to life—and to market. A product roadmap is a plan of action for how a product or solution will evolve over time. A product roadmap is essential to communicating how short-term efforts match long-term business goals. 

Why Make Product Roadmaps? 

• Identify gaps in current offerings 

• Identify products our customers want and need 

• Help customers connect related products and services 

• Provide focus in product development 

• Identify gaps in the ecosystem supporting the roadmaps (e.g., webinars, professional development, etc.) 

• Demonstrate relevance for product development organizationally and for ED Panel review for federal quota eligible products 

How Can You Directly Impact Our Product Roadmaps? 

We don’t know what we don’t know. Product roadmap research gives customers a voice directly impacts the products we create. APH collects, synthesizes, and analyzes the data from focus groups, interviews, and surveys to make decisions about the products and services our customers need.  

Effective planning, transparent communication, and ultimately, the delivery of impactful solutions depends on clear communication, cross-functional collaboration, and transparency in challenges and processes. Everyone has a stake in the products we make.