About the Now, Next, Later roadmap template
A Now, Next, Later roadmap is ideal for sketching out near- and longer-term plans. You can bucket work into broad time frames for delivery — without committing to specific delivery dates. Use this template to map out the scope and sequence of new functionality within strategic themes and then align on your early plans with stakeholders. It is also a great roadmap view to share with customers and colleagues to highlight your product plans while remaining flexible on the details.
Included in the Now, Next, Later roadmap template
This template includes everything you need to create a high-level roadmap:
Adjustable table to bucket work into time frames
Colored swimlanes to group work by theme
Sticky notes to represent new functionality
Example for inspiration
Customize the Now, Next, Later roadmap template to your needs, then share your whiteboard with as many people as you want to streamline collaboration. This template includes the following capabilities to help you define and showcase your roadmap:
Tailor the style and color of your roadmap
Add connectors to show dependencies
Use annotation shapes to provide context
Capture inline comments with internal feedback
Convert objects into work items in Aha! Roadmaps
Overview of the Now, Next, Later roadmap
Every product team roadmaps a little differently — in terms of both planning and aesthetics. What is most important is aligning everyone on what you will deliver, when you will deliver it, and why it matters. The Now, Next, Later roadmap provides a simple approach for categorizing work based on urgency and importance. It is ideal for teams that work in a dynamic environment where flexibility is necessary for adapting quickly to changes in market conditions, customer feedback, or internal priorities.
Here is an overview of what each category means:
Now: Top-priority work items that are already in progress or should be started immediately
Next: Important work items that will be started once the team completes its current tasks
Later: Longer-term features or ideas that the team could revisit in the future
The Now, Next, Later roadmap helps everyone team stay focused on the most important work while remaining adaptable to change. Once implementation gets underway, you might rely on a more detailed roadmap that includes epics, releases, and features to create a clear timeline for delivery. Be sure to review and update the roadmap regularly to keep it current.
How to use the Now, Next, Later roadmap template
Prioritize work, align teams, and communicate a clear vision for strategic planning.
Capture the fundamentals Define what "now," "next," and "later" means for your team. Fill in product initiatives along the left-side column of the template and begin to outline areas of focus or important features for each. Provide links to relevant documentation, such as product goals or customer personas.
Refine together Gather the team for a review session. Use inline comments to capture insights and highlight areas that need deeper exploration. Treat the roadmap as a dynamic document and revise it as your plans evolve.
Link to real work When you are ready to move forward, convert elements on the whiteboard into actionable work items. That way, you can define the work, set dates, assign responsibility, and track progress in Aha! Roadmaps.
FAQs about the Now, Next, Later roadmap template
Why create a Now, Next, Later roadmap?
Now, Next, Later roadmaps clarify product priorities — ensuring that everyone understands what to focus on immediately, what to expect in the near future, and what is planned for later. These high-level roadmaps align the team and stakeholders around a shared direction.
What are some best practices for using Now, Next, Later roadmaps?
Even though a Now, Next, Later roadmap is high level, it should still be realistic. Do not make guesses or treat the roadmap like a wish list. Gather feedback early from cross-functional teams to spot dependencies that affect timing and resources. And regularly review and update the roadmap to keep it aligned with evolving goals and market conditions.
Who is this Now, Next, Later roadmap template for?
This Now, Next, Later roadmap template is designed for product managers who need a simple way to display strategic direction and priorities. It also benefits stakeholders and customers by providing a transparent view of upcoming and future plans.
Is this template free to use?
To use this Now, Next, Later roadmap template, sign up for a free 30-day trial of Aha! Whiteboards. (You can also try this template in Aha! Roadmaps if yo
