Software products have roadmaps – it’s the direction, the map – you want to follow to get from A to B.
We don’t always follow it correctly; sometimes we veer off left or right and go off-roading for a while – sometimes I wish we didn’t, but more times than not, I’m super glad we did because it ended up making the product that much better.
But in the end, we hit our goal and delivered our solution – it’s a map, similar to when you’re on vacation and you stop at the shop on the way to pick up a kayak or 2 or buy some delicatessens you don’t normally have.
I’m glad we’ve never stayed on the straight line 100% of the time; it’s the off-roading that provided all the adventure.
Whatever your plans are, make sure you factor in a little time for off-roading; it keeps the adventure interesting.