Impact/Effort Matrix
An impact/effort matrix plots ideas on a 2×2 grid of how much difference they would make against how hard they are, to find the quick wins.
Also called effort impact matrix or prioritisation matrix.
Beginner◷ 15–25 minFree · no login
Big difference, small effort: start there.
How to use it + an example
How to use it
- 1List the ideas or improvements.
- 2Place each on the grid by impact (high/low) and effort (high/low).
- 3Start with high-impact, low-effort items and plan for the high-impact, high-effort ones.
Example
After testing, a CO2 dragster team finds sanding the body is high impact and low effort, while a new body shape is high effort — so they sand first.
When to use it: When prioritising ideas or improvements to make with limited time (MYP Design Criteria B and D).
Test: Try it. Find what breaks. Fix it.
Your turn ↓
Which ideas are worth doing first?
Plot each idea on a 2×2 grid of impact against effort, then pick your top three.
Enter to start · Shift+Enter for a new line
Look back. Which idea moved corners when you thought about it harder?
Try next
- PMI ChartEvaluate ideas by listing Plus, Minus, and Interesting points.Try it free →
- Decision MatrixScore options against weighted criteria to make informed choices.Try it free →
- Dot VotingDemocratic prioritization: everyone gets limited votes.Try it free →
For teachers: Test stage · 15-25m. Free, no login. One of the 45 design thinking tools on StudioLoom, which also puts them inside lessons so students’ thinking is saved with their project.