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Tech Startups › Idea team › Product Roadmap

Your Product Roadmap, explained in plain English.

While the rest of the team gathers evidence, the Product Analyst shapes the solution. They turn the research into a product road map, early mock-ups and a high level specification, so when validation says go, you are ready to build.

No tech background needed. This guide explains the role in plain English: what it is, when you need it, what to expect and how to choose the right Volunteer.
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In plain English

What does a Product Analyst do for you?

“

Think of the architect's first sketches.

Before any plans are approved, the architect sketches what the building could look like and what comes first. It is enough to discuss, test and price, without laying a single brick.

1

Shapes the solution

Turns research into a clear concept of the product.

2

Sets the order

A road map of what to build first, next and later.

3

Prepares for the build

Early mock-ups and a specification the Product team can use.

When you need one

Signs it is time to bring one in.

If two or more of these sound familiar, add this role to your validation team.

Bring one in when

  • ✓Your research is growing but nobody is shaping the solution
  • ✓You have too many feature ideas and no order
  • ✓You want something visual to show customers and investors
  • ✓You plan to move to the Product stage soon
  • ✓Your team keeps debating what the first version should include

You can wait if

  • …The research team has not yet confirmed the problem or the customer
What they own

Four areas a Product Analyst takes off your plate.

01

Product concept

How the product solves the validated problem.

02

Product road map

What to build first, next and later, and why.

03

Initial mock-ups

Simple screens to discuss and test with customers.

04

High level specification

The starting point for the Product team.

What to expect

Across a 60 Volunteer day term.

Volunteers give up to three hours a day, Monday to Friday, over three months or more. Daily and weekly updates keep you informed, and rapid feedback from you in the first two weeks makes the biggest difference.

1
✦

Weeks 1 and 2

Reviews the early findings with you and drafts the product concept.

2
▤

By mid term

A draft road map and the first mock-ups shared with the Customer Development analyst for feedback.

3
★

By day 60

A product road map, mock-ups and a high level specification ready for prototyping and the build.

Choosing the right Volunteer

What to ask, and what to look for.

You do not need to be an expert to recruit well. Use these questions at interview and listen for the signs below.

Questions to ask

  • ?How would you decide what goes into the first version?
  • ?Show me a road map or specification you created.
  • ?How do you use customer feedback to change a plan?
  • ?Which tools do you use for mock-ups?

Good signs

  • ✓Links every feature to a customer need
  • ✓Keeps the first version small
  • ✓Shares ideas visually

Red flags

  • ✕Adds every feature anyone suggests
  • ✕Ignores the research findings
  • ✕Produces long documents nobody reads
Your part as a Tech Founder

Give them this, and they deliver from Day 1.

  • ✓Your vision for the product
  • ✓Access to the research and competitor findings
  • ✓Decisions on priorities when there are trade-offs
  • ✓Time to review the road map
  • ✓A signed Volunteer Agreement before they start
FAQ

Questions Tech Founders ask.

Is this the same as a Product Manager? +
Related but earlier. The Product Analyst shapes the concept during validation. A Product Manager runs the build in the Product stage.
How detailed should the specification be? +
High level at this stage: enough to prototype and estimate. The Business Analyst in the Product team adds the detail.
Will the road map change? +
Yes. It should change as evidence arrives. That is a sign the validation is doing its job.
How much does it cost to recruit this role? +
Volunteers give their time for experience, not pay. You subscribe to the Idea plan at £49 a month or £490 a year, which lets you recruit up to 15 Volunteer team members across every validation role. See the Idea plan.
Test it ·
prove it ✦

Ready to recruit your Product Analyst?

Create your company account, list an Opportunity with the matching template and start meeting Volunteers this week.