Decision matrix

Score your options against what matters

Then find out whether the winner is the one you expected.

Options

Two or more things you are genuinely choosing between. Name them properly — “Option A” can’t be recorded as a decision later.

Criteria

What matters in this decision, and how much. More stars = counts for more.

What am I forgetting?

If one of these matters to your decision, add it as a criterion in your own words.

  • What would this cost the user — money, time, or hassle?
  • Who else is affected, and what do they need from it?
  • What happens after a year of use?
  • What could break, wear out, or go wrong first?
  • How hard is it to make with what you actually have?

You need at least two options and one criterion.