Feature Launch Checklist Template

🔧 0. Planning & Environment Setup

Confirm staging environment is available and accessible

Verify feature is deployed to staging with necessary test data

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Identify key stakeholders for early review (internal or external)

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Define plan for external user communication and outreach

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Decide on feedback collection mechanism (form, GitHub, email, etc.)

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Assign owners for communication, triage, and support

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✅ 1. Pre-Launch Readiness

Validate feature functionality in staging against specifications

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Conduct internal QA and document test results

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Prepare user scenarios or test scripts for early evaluation

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Review known limitations or edge cases

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Run internal walkthroughs or demos for cross-functional teams

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📣 2. External Communication Planning

Draft launch announcement with messaging tailored to user needs

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Identify communication channels (e.g., app banners, blogs)

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Coordinate timing and approvals for announcements

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Confirm timing aligns with support teams’ availability

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🧪 3. User Testing & Evaluation

Invite internal or pilot users to test in staging

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Provide clear guidance on what to test and how to give feedback

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Track and triage feedback in a shared system

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Determine readiness for production based on feedback

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Document changes or improvements made from test feedback

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🗣️ 4. Feedback Channels

Launch feedback channel (form, email alias, etc.)

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Confirm who is responsible for triaging and responding

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Create tagging system for launch-related issues

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Provide FAQs or escalation paths to support teams

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📄 5. Documentation & Support

Update user-facing documentation

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Notify support teams of launch with talking points

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Ensure internal docs reflect new workflows

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Publish support docs in user-facing places

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🎯 6. Metrics & Success Criteria

Define usage, engagement, or performance metrics

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Set benchmarks for launch success

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Identify dashboards/tools to monitor OKRs

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Review post-launch data against expectations

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🚀 7. Launch & Post-Launch Monitoring

Conduct go/no-go readiness meeting

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Launch to production

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Monitor feedback, performance, and bugs

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Address critical issues with hotfix plan

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Schedule post-launch retro and record learnings

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