Decision Matrix

What Is It?

A decision matrix is a structured tool for comparing multiple alternatives against weighted criteria to make transparent, defensible choices. It forces explicit trade-off analysis by scoring each option on each criterion, making subjective factors visible and comparable.

Quick example:

The numbers in parentheses show criterion score × weight. Option A wins despite not being fastest or cheapest because quality matters most (45% weight).

Workflow

Copy this checklist and track your progress:

Decision Matrix Progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Frame the decision and list alternatives
- [ ] Step 2: Identify and weight criteria
- [ ] Step 3: Score each alternative on each criterion
- [ ] Step 4: Calculate weighted scores and analyze results
- [ ] Step 5: Validate quality and deliver recommendation

Step 1: Frame the decision and list alternatives

Ask user for decision context (what are we choosing and why), list of alternatives (specific named options, not generic categories), constraints or dealbreakers (must-have requirements), and stakeholders (who needs to agree). Understanding must-haves helps filter options before scoring. See Framing Questions for clarification prompts.

Step 2: Identify and weight criteria

Collaborate with user to identify criteria (what factors matter for this decision), determine weights (which criteria matter most, as percentages summing to 100%), and validate coverage (do criteria capture all important trade-offs). If user is unsure about weighting → Use resources/template.md for weighting techniques. See Criterion Types for common patterns.

Step 3: Score each alternative on each criterion

For each option, score on each criterion using consistent scale (typically 1-10 where 10 = best). Ask user for scores or research objective data (cost, speed metrics) where available. Document assumptions and data sources. For complex scoring → See resources/methodology.md for calibration techniques.

Step 4: Calculate weighted scores and analyze results

Calculate weighted score for each option (sum of criterion score × weight). Rank options by total score. Identify close calls (options within 5% of each other). Check for sensitivity (would changing one weight flip the decision). See Sensitivity Analysis for interpretation guidance.

Step 5: Validate quality and deliver recommendation

Self-assess using resources/evaluators/rubric_decision_matrix.json (minimum score ≥ 3.5). Present decision-matrix.md file with clear recommendation, highlight key trade-offs revealed by analysis, note sensitivity to assumptions, and suggest next steps (gather more data on close calls, validate with stakeholders).

Framing Questions

To clarify the decision:

• What specific decision are we making? (Choose X from Y alternatives)
• What happens if we don't decide or choose wrong?
• When do we need to decide by?
• Can we choose multiple options or only one?

To identify alternatives:

• What are all the named options we're considering?
• Are there other alternatives we're ruling out immediately? Why?
• What's the "do nothing" or status quo option?

To surface must-haves:

• Are there absolute dealbreakers? (Budget cap, timeline requirement, compliance need)
• Which constraints are flexible vs rigid?

Criterion Types

Common categories for criteria (adapt to your decision):

Financial Criteria:

• Upfront cost, ongoing cost, ROI, payback period, budget impact
• Typical weight: 20-40% (higher for cost-sensitive decisions)

Performance Criteria:

• Speed, quality, reliability, scalability, capacity, throughput
• Typical weight: 30-50% (higher for technical decisions)

Risk Criteria:

• Implementation risk, reversibility, vendor lock-in, technical debt, compliance risk
• Typical weight: 10-25% (higher for enterprise/regulated environments)

Strategic Criteria:

• Alignment with goals, future flexibility, competitive advantage, market positioning
• Typical weight: 15-30% (higher for long-term decisions)

Operational Criteria:

• Ease of use, maintenance burden, training required, integration complexity
• Typical weight: 10-20% (higher for internal tools)

Stakeholder Criteria:

• Team preference, user satisfaction, executive alignment, customer impact
• Typical weight: 5-15% (higher for change management contexts)

Weighting Approaches

Method 1: Direct Allocation (simplest) Stakeholders assign percentages totaling 100%. Quick but can be arbitrary.

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