A product vision board is a powerful strategic planning tool that helps teams align on product strategy and vision.
It visually represents a product’s future state through images, quotes, and keywords. For entrepreneurs, these product vision boards can also be closely aligned with personal vision boards.
What is a Product Vision Board?
A product vision board or kanban board is a visual representation of the ideal future state of a product. It includes elements like:
- Target users and their needs.
- Core features and functionality.
- Branding and messaging.
- Emotional impact on users.
- Business goals.
Background on Using a Product Vision Board
Product vision boards are commonly used in agile software development and product management to help guide strategy and maintain focus. Though simple in concept, a well-crafted board can galvanize product teams.
Vision boards are especially effective for:
- Aligning multiple stakeholders on a shared product vision.
- Communicating product strategy across the organization.
- Making product strategy tangible and actionable.
- Inspiring and exciting teams about the future product.
Key Features of a Product Vision Board
- Visual representations of the target users.
- Mockups and wireframes of critical features.
- Branding elements like color palettes, fonts, and logos.
- Quotes and mottos that capture the product essence.
- Data on business objectives and key results.
Benefits of a Product Vision Board
- Improves alignment across stakeholders.
- Provides clarity on strategic priorities.
- Focuses team efforts on a shared vision.
- Drives engagement and motivation.
- Anchors product direction when pivoting.
Examples of Product Vision Boards
Here are 10 examples of effective product vision boards:
- Uber Eats – shows the ideal future mobile app interface.
- Slack – highlights collaboration and ease of use.
- Spotify – focuses on feelings evoked through music.
- Airbnb – emphasizes belonging and connection.
- Amazon Alexa – shows smart home integration.
- Tesla – futuristic dashboard and vehicle exterior.
- Instagram – captures shareable moments between friends.
- YouTube – watching video seamlessly on any device.
- Dropbox – simplicity, and accessibility of cloud storage.
- Netflix – watching movies and shows from the comfort of home.
Product Vision Board Template
When creating a product vision board, include sections for:
- Customer persona profiles.
- Key features and functionality.
- Branding elements.
- Emotional impact.
- Quotes and mottos.
- Business goals.
Here is an example product vision board for a ridesharing app called Drive:
Customer Personas
[Picture of young professionals getting into a car]Busy young professionals needing an affordable ride to work[Picture of families with kids]
Families looking for a safe ride option for their children
Key Features
- On-demand rides.
- Estimated fare calculator.
- Driver profiles and ratings.
- Scheduling future rides.
- Split fare options.
Branding
[Logo]Drive[Slogan]
“Transportation simplified”[Color palette]
Green, black, white
Emotional Impact
[Picture of friends laughing in the backseat]Fosters connection and community[Picture of a woman relaxing in the car]
Provides comfort and convenience
Business Goals
- Reduce drunk driving.
- Decrease traffic congestion.
- Provide a flexible income source.
Quotes
“Life is a journey; enjoy the ride.”
“Arrive happy”
This example product vision board includes the key elements to align stakeholders on a shared vision for a ridesharing product.
The visuals and text communicate the target users, product features, branding, emotional impact, and business goals.
This vision board could be used to pitch investors, inspire engineering teams, or align executives on strategy.
With a compelling vision board, the Drive team can work together to bring this product vision to life.
Summary
A product vision board visually brings a product strategy to life. It aligns teams, communicates priorities, and inspires action.
While simple in concept, a thoughtfully crafted board can unite stakeholders around a powerful shared future vision.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
