Create a cohesive strategy for new and existing products with this product planning template
The IBM design team created this template to help cross-functional teams approach product planning in a collaborative, free-flowing way. Apply this framework to new or existing products to align on how to build from the ground up.
With the pyramid, we wanted to show that everything is related and builds off each other. You don’t need to complete the pyramid in a specific sequence.
Josef Bodine
UX Design Lead
You don’t need to start from scratch. Use the IBM design team’s product planning template to:
- Prepare a productive product planning session
- Create a shared product strategy
- Involve a cross-functional team
- Imagine new products or refine existing ones
How to use this product planning template
Step 1: Prepare for the session
Invite a diverse set of perspectives to your product planning session, including representatives from all parts of the business.
When we're facilitating these workshops, they're not design workshops. We're meeting with architects and developers and product managers and VPs, because we are trying to address high-level product concerns.
Austin Edwards
User Experience Designer
Step 2: Fill out each section of the pyramid
The product pyramid visualizes the relationships between each part of your product plan. Start anywhere and don't feel the need to follow a particular sequence.
Fill out each section within the space to the right of the pyramid. You can do this as a group or encourage participants to tackle sections they feel passionate about.
The template may be completed in a single session or may require asynchronous collaboration to complete.
Step 3: Reflect and iterate as a team
As your team fills out the pyramid, share feedback and iterate. Within the “Goals” and “Hills” sections, use Freehand Reactions to vote on ideas and align.
Your pyramid should be a living document that can be referenced and refined as you get further along the product development cycle.
The reason we were proud to make this template is because we actually use it. It wasn't just in our heads and looks good on paper. This actually worked for us.
Josef Bodine
UX Design Lead
Collaborate in real time with an online whiteboard. InVision Freehand empowers your entire team to create together, all in one place.
IBM and the IBM logo are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.