Description Long

To obtain an initial assessment of ideas according to various criteria immediately after idea generation, the ideas can be evaluated using the Decision Matrix.

Table-based matrix:

Various criteria (columns) are defined, according to which each idea (row) is evaluated. Possible criteria include "wow factor", feasibility, effort, goal achievement, etc. Each idea is rated according to various criteria using points (e.g., 1 to 10), such as feasibility: A high value indicates the idea is feasible, while a low value indicates the opposite.

XY coordinate system:

Instead of the matrix, an XY coordinate system can also be used, on which the criteria are plotted. This allows the degree of criterion fulfilment to be assessed. The X-axis represents "feasibility", while the Y-axis represents "effort", with the axes ranging from "low" to "high". For this variant, participants are given sticky dots, which can be distributed across the coordinate system. Each colour represents an idea.

Illustration

Preparation

• Consider the criteria by which the ideas should be evaluated.
• Decide how many points can be allocated.
• Consider whether the table-based matrix or the XY coordinate system variant is more suitable.

Execution

1. Explain the rating system.
2. Decide how many points can be allocated and which colour represents which idea.
3. Participants evaluate the ideas by assigning points or placing sticky dots on the coordinate system.
4. Analyse the matrix or coordinate system. Do any trends or favourites emerge?
5. Ideas with a high rating may be further developed.

Online: The method can also be conducted using digital whiteboards such as Miro or MURAL.

Hints from experience

• If the ideas are on Post-its, they can also be directly placed on the evaluation.

Tools list

• Matrix, coordinate system on paper

References

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_03.htm