Future state maps

Future-state maps show how user interactions should work after improvements. They include new features, removed pain points, streamlined flows, and added touchpoints. These maps balance user needs with business goals and often span multiple time horizons, like near-term fixes, medium-term changes, and long-term vision. They’re useful early in product development to communicate direction and gain stakeholder support. Key components include improved flows, new touchpoints, success metrics, and clear connections between user needs and strategy. A good future-state map is ambitious but grounded, offering a clear path from current to future.