Use when comparing multiple named alternatives across several criteria, need transparent trade-off analysis, making group decisions requiring alignment, choosing between vendors/tools/strategies, stakeholders need to see decision rationale, balancing competing priorities (cost vs quality vs speed), user mentions "which option should we choose", "compare alternatives", "evaluate vendors", "trade-offs", or when decision needs to be defensible and data-driven.
Compares multiple alternatives across weighted criteria to make transparent, defensible choices. Use when evaluating vendors, tools, or strategies with competing priorities like cost vs quality vs speed.
/plugin marketplace add lyndonkl/claude/plugin install lyndonkl-thinking-frameworks-skills@lyndonkl/claudeThis skill inherits all available tools. When active, it can use any tool Claude has access to.
resources/evaluators/rubric_decision_matrix.jsonresources/methodology.mdresources/template.mdA 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:
| Option | Cost (30%) | Speed (25%) | Quality (45%) | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option A | 8 (2.4) | 6 (1.5) | 9 (4.05) | 7.95 ← Winner |
| Option B | 6 (1.8) | 9 (2.25) | 7 (3.15) | 7.20 |
| Option C | 9 (2.7) | 4 (1.0) | 6 (2.7) | 6.40 |
The numbers in parentheses show criterion score × weight. Option A wins despite not being fastest or cheapest because quality matters most (45% weight).
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).
To clarify the decision:
To identify alternatives:
To surface must-haves:
Common categories for criteria (adapt to your decision):
Financial Criteria:
Performance Criteria:
Risk Criteria:
Strategic Criteria:
Operational Criteria:
Stakeholder Criteria:
Method 1: Direct Allocation (simplest) Stakeholders assign percentages totaling 100%. Quick but can be arbitrary.
Method 2: Pairwise Comparison (more rigorous) Compare each criterion pair: "Is cost more important than speed?" Build ranking, then assign weights.
Method 3: Must-Have vs Nice-to-Have (filters first) Separate absolute requirements (pass/fail) from weighted criteria. Only evaluate options that pass must-haves.
Method 4: Stakeholder Averaging (group decisions) Each stakeholder assigns weights independently, then average. Reveals divergence in priorities.
See resources/methodology.md for detailed facilitation techniques.
After calculating scores, check robustness:
1. Close calls: Options within 5-10% of winner → Need more data or second opinion 2. Dominant criteria: One criterion driving entire decision → Is weight too high? 3. Weight sensitivity: Would swapping two criterion weights flip the winner? → Decision is fragile 4. Score sensitivity: Would adjusting one score by ±1 point flip the winner? → Decision is sensitive to that data point
Red flags:
Technology Selection:
Vendor Evaluation:
Strategic Choices:
Hiring Decisions:
Feature Prioritization:
Skip decision matrix if:
Use instead:
Process:
Resources:
Deliverable: decision-matrix.md file with table, rationale, and recommendation
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