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Decision Matrix

Compare options against weighted criteria together. Everyone scores independently, then results are revealed - no anchoring, no HiPPO effect, no groupthink.

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How it works

1

Define criteria

Identify what matters: cost, risk, impact, feasibility. Assign each criterion a weight: Low, Medium, or High.

2

Add your options

List the options you are choosing between: vendor A vs B, build vs buy, approach 1 vs 2.

3

Score independently

Everyone rates each option against each criterion from 1 to 5. Scores are hidden until the host reveals.

4

See weighted results

Scores are averaged and multiplied by criterion weights. Options are ranked - the data informs the discussion.

When to use it

Decisions where the right choice is not obvious and multiple people have a stake.

Choosing a tech stack or vendor

Three databases on the shortlist. Everyone has an opinion. A decision matrix forces the team to agree on criteria first - security, scalability, dev experience, cost - then score each option independently. The result is a defensible, data-backed recommendation rather than whoever spoke loudest.

Build vs. buy decisions

Product wants a feature shipped fast. Engineering wants to evaluate an off-the-shelf solution. A matrix with criteria like time-to-value, maintenance burden, integration risk, and cost makes the trade-offs explicit and visible to everyone in the room.

Sprint goal or OKR selection

You have six candidate initiatives but capacity for two. Criteria: customer impact, strategic alignment, team confidence, time to value. Score them as a team - the matrix cuts through politics and surfaces genuine signal from the whole group.

Architecture review

Two or three architectural approaches are on the table. Product, engineering, and platform all have different priorities. A weighted matrix ensures every perspective gets its weight and the final recommendation reflects the full team's input.

Make better decisions together

No account, no setup. Create a room and share the link.

Open Decision Matrix