Release Planning is the process of identifying a high-level plan for releasing or transitioning a product, deliverable, or increment of value.
It defines the timing, scope, and sequencing of releases, ensuring alignment with business objectives and coordination across teams and stakeholders.
Key Characteristics
- High-Level Focus – Emphasizes broader delivery goals over individual task details
- Value-Centric – Organizes releases around the delivery of usable functionality
- Cross-Functional – Involves collaboration between product, technical, and business roles
- Guides Iteration Planning – Informs detailed work breakdowns and sprint commitments
Example Scenarios
- Planning phased releases of a mobile app across platforms
- Mapping feature delivery timelines across multiple teams in a scaled environment
- Coordinating technical readiness, training, and communications for deployment
Role in Product Delivery
- Aligns Strategy and Execution – Connects business goals to operational timelines
- Enables Incremental Value Delivery – Structures work to release early and often
- Improves Predictability – Provides stakeholders with visibility into planned outcomes
- Supports Change Management – Prepares the organization for transition and adoption
See also: Release Plan, Product Backlog, Iteration Planning, Deployment, Roadmap.