A step by step presentation of decision matrixes: how to build them, when to use them.

1. Decision Matrixes @wickedgeekie - 2010

2. A series of solutions has been identified, how can I find out which one fits best the project requirements? How can I justify this selection? How can I conduct this selection with many people?

3. Welcome to decision matrixes. This is an example matrix. Does this look familiar?

4. What is a decision matrix? A decision making technique which enables to catalogue options identify options’ strengths and weaknesses rank options against project requirements identify the option fitting most closely project requirements documents decisions for future reference conduct all of the above with 1 or more people

6. Decision matrixes can be as complex as one wants them to be...

7. Walk-through example Fanta want to promote their new product on Facebook by enabling users to download a voucher. Which Facebook product is best suited for this?

8. Designing the matrix:Inserting the criteria Listing the decision criteria The page features a voucher, or a link to one The brand remains in control of user generated contentof the page The page must be highly visible to generate a high volume of downloads The solution must be scalable for future promotions

9. Designing the matrix: Adding the propositions Listing the propositions A list of possible formats of page has been drawn, and form the propositions: A Group page A Product or Fan page An Event page An Application

10. Filling in the matrix: comments Scoring the propositions for one criteria is much easier as the understanding of what the criteria is is consistent

11. Adding a ranking scale: 1- lowest desirability to 5 – highest desirability 3 5 2 5 3 1 2 5 2 4 3 1 4 5 4 5

12. Keeping only ranking scores 3 5 2 5 3 1 5 2 2 4 3 1 4 5 4 5

13. Check if the scores are spread enough: this validates the criteria 3 5 2 5 3 1 5 2 2 4 3 1 4 5 4 5 1 4 2 1 These criteria get scores that are too clustered, they may not be valid – or use weighing to differentiate them

14. Adding weighing 3x3= 9 5x2= 10 2 5 3x3= 9 1x2= 1 5 2 2 4 3x3= 9 1x2= 1 4x3= 12 5x2= 10 4 5 Not all criteria are equal, add weighing to distinguish most/least important

15. Calculating totals 3x3= 9 5x2= 10 2 5 26 3x3= 9 1x2= 1 5 17 2 2 4 3x3= 9 1x2= 1 16 4x3= 12 5x2= 10 4 5 31 The last result has the highest total, it matches best the criteria selected.

16. Calculating totals 3 5 2 5 15 3 1 5 11 2 2 4 3 1 9 4 5 4 5 18 Criteria can be added or removed, the results are easy to update Helps manage scope creep All stakeholders can contribute Great for sorting findings of a mind map

17. In the UX work process... Can help clarify requirements across the team Documents why a solution is selected Can be conducted with or without the client, depending on timing/internal consensus Can be a deliverable if the question is: “what solution is best and why?” Stakeholders may need to be explained what it is and why it’s useful

18. References Kepner-tregoe: http://www.decide-guide.com/kepner-tregoe.html Mike Swanson: http://blogs.msdn.com/mswanson/archive/2008/07/20/my-decision-matrix.aspx