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Release Note

What Is a Release Note?

A release note is a document or communication that accompanies the release of a new version of a product, software, or service. It provides information about the updates, improvements, bug fixes, features, and changes that have been made in the new release. Release notes serve as a vital communication tool between developers, product managers, and users, ensuring that everyone is aware of what has changed or been added.

Release notes typically include a summary of the changes made, any new features or functionalities, and may sometimes include instructions or known issues related to the release. They can be distributed through various channels, including product websites, email newsletters, and in-app notifications, depending on the nature of the release and the audience.

 

Examples of Great Release Notes

Great release notes go beyond just listing changes; they offer clarity, context, and ensure users know what to expect from the new release. Here are a few examples of effective release notes:

  1. Slack
    Slack’s release notes are an excellent example of clarity and simplicity. They provide concise summaries of new features, bug fixes, and improvements. Slack also includes links to more detailed documentation or guides when necessary, ensuring users have easy access to further details.
    Example:

    • New Feature: You can now customize your notification preferences with more granularity.
    • Fix: Resolved an issue where the app would freeze on startup in certain cases.
    • Improvement: Enhanced message search functionality to provide faster results.
  2. GitHub
    GitHub’s release notes focus on both developers and non-technical users, making the changes easily understandable while also providing enough technical detail for developers to act on. Each release typically includes release highlights, links to related issues, and specific instructions for upgrading or using new features.
    Example:

    • Feature: Introduced support for multi-factor authentication.
    • Fix: Resolved a bug where pull requests would not display correctly in some browsers.
    • Breaking Change: Updated API endpoint for project boards – action required.
  3. Spotify
    Spotify’s release notes are user-focused and straightforward, especially when it comes to app updates. They often highlight new features, such as playlists, integrations, or UI changes, in a way that speaks directly to the user experience.
    Example:

    • Feature: The new “Discover Weekly” playlist is now updated automatically every Monday.
    • Bug Fix: Fixed an issue where some tracks wouldn’t play when the app was offline.

 

Why Are They Important in Product Management?

Release notes are a critical component of product management for several reasons:

  • Clear Communication: Release notes act as a primary form of communication between the development team, product managers, and users. They provide clear visibility into what changes are happening and how these changes affect the end-users.
  • Transparency: By detailing what is being fixed, improved, or added, release notes foster transparency, ensuring that users are informed about the product’s evolution.
  • Feedback Loop: Release notes serve as a foundation for user feedback. Users can refer to the notes to better understand the new features and provide insights into what works or needs improvement.
  • Documentation: They serve as a historical record of all changes, offering a comprehensive log of product versions, which is valuable for troubleshooting, user support, and legal compliance.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Regularly updated release notes that are clear and well-organized contribute to a better user experience. When users understand what is being improved, they feel heard and valued by the product team.

 

What Should Be Included in Release Notes?

Effective release notes should include several key components to ensure they serve their purpose:

  1. Version Number
    The version number is crucial for identifying which iteration of the product is being referred to. It helps users track updates and understand if they are using the latest version.
  2. Release Date
    The release date tells users when the changes were implemented, allowing them to determine if their version of the product is up-to-date.
  3. Summary of Changes
    This is the heart of the release notes, where you provide a high-level summary of what has changed in the new release. It should include new features, improvements, bug fixes, and any deprecated features.
  4. Details of Changes
    Provide detailed information about each change. This could involve step-by-step guides for new features, bug fix explanations, or links to more comprehensive documentation.
  5. Known Issues
    If there are any unresolved issues in the release, they should be listed here. Acknowledging these problems shows transparency and allows users to manage their expectations.
  6. Upgrade Instructions
    If the release involves major changes that require users to take specific actions (e.g., upgrading the software or changing settings), include detailed instructions on how to complete the upgrade process.
  7. Call to Action
    If there are any actions that users need to take (such as testing new features, reporting bugs, or providing feedback), make sure to include clear calls to action.

 

How to Craft Engaging Release Notes

Crafting engaging release notes requires balancing technical accuracy with readability. Here are some tips for writing effective and engaging release notes:

  • Use Clear, Concise Language: Avoid jargon or overly technical terms, unless your audience is highly technical. Use simple and clear language that everyone can understand.
  • Be User-Centric: Focus on the user’s experience and how the changes impact them. Highlight how the new features or fixes will make their experience better.
  • Highlight Key Changes: Place the most significant changes at the top of the release notes, so users can quickly scan and see what’s new or fixed.
  • Use Bullet Points: For ease of reading, list out new features, fixes, and known issues in bullet points. This makes the release notes scannable and helps users find relevant information quickly.
  • Provide Context: For each change, provide context to explain why it’s important. This helps users understand the value of the change and encourages them to take advantage of new features or updates.
  • Add Visuals: Where possible, add screenshots or videos to demonstrate how new features work or how issues have been resolved. This can enhance user comprehension and engagement.
  • Test for Clarity: Before publishing, have someone outside the development team review the release notes to ensure they are clear and understandable.

 

Who Prepares the Release Notes?

Typically, release notes are prepared by members of the product or development teams, including:

  1. Product Managers
    Product managers are often responsible for overseeing the content and tone of release notes. They ensure that the changes align with the product’s goals and user needs.
  2. Developers
    Developers provide the technical details, explaining what changes have been made from a code perspective. They also identify bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements.
  3. Technical Writers
    In larger teams, technical writers may be tasked with drafting the actual release notes. They take the technical information provided by developers and product managers and present it in an easily digestible format.
  4. QA Teams
    Quality assurance (QA) teams help verify that the changes have been tested and are functioning as expected. They may also contribute details on known issues or pending fixes.

 

How Do You Present Release Notes?

Presenting release notes effectively requires a good understanding of your audience and the best delivery channels. Here are some common ways to present them:

  1. In-App Notifications
    For software or app-based products, in-app notifications are an effective way to present release notes directly to users. These pop-ups or banners alert users about new features or updates and provide easy access to detailed release notes.
  2. Email Newsletters
    Sending release notes through email ensures that users are notified about updates, especially for products that have a significant user base. Emails can include a brief summary with a link to the full release notes.
  3. Website or Product Blog
    Product teams often post release notes on the official website or product blog, where users can find detailed records of all updates. This also serves as an archive for past releases.
  4. Social Media
    For a more informal approach, release notes can be shared through social media channels, especially when there’s a major feature or product update that requires attention.
  5. Documentation Portals
    For enterprise products, release notes may be published in dedicated documentation portals, allowing users to find comprehensive release notes in a structured format.

Release notes are essential for communicating updates to users, managing expectations, and maintaining transparency. By understanding what makes a great release note and following best practices, teams can craft engaging, clear, and effective release notes that drive user satisfaction and trust. Whether you’re a product manager, developer, or technical writer, the importance of release notes cannot be understated—they are an invaluable tool in maintaining a strong relationship between your product and its users.