Easy to use decision making tool.

This visual decision-making tool is a simple 2x2 grid which allows you to plot tasks, projects or ideas in order of their importance versus their difficulty to complete or implement. The resulting visual matrix shows projects grouped into strategic, high ROI, quick wins and those that can be left for later; supporting decision-making and action planning.

The benefits matrix (also known as the importance:difficulty matrix) is a tool best facilitated. Appoint one member of the team to do this - whilst the rest of the team debates the projects, tasks or ideas and plots the notes on the matrix - the facilitator ensures the correct use of the tool whilst taking care not to influence group decisions.

Learn how to use the matrix.

Simple yet powerful prioritisation.

Once complete, projects, tasks or ideas are visualised in four distinct categories:

• Strategic - Are of strategic importance to the business
• High ROI - Provide a big benefit for a small effort
• Quick Wins - Tick them off the list
• Optional - Leave for later or avoid altogether

Segmenting the quadrants afterwards by dividing the matrix into stages allows for staggered prioritisation and planning, allowing you to start both strategic and high ROI projects at the same time.

When should you use the matrix?

• If you’re struggling to gain team consensus with planning tasks or projects
• If you need to make sense of many projects
• If you need to discuss tasks in a team planning session

This visual decision making tool is great for...

• Encouraging teams to focus on the most impactful work first
• Avoiding overcommitting to projects that are difficult but provide little benefit
• Identifying and prioritising tasks that provide the most value with minimal effort
• Creating a structured, visual way to make prioritisation decisions
• Helping teams allocate time, budget, and effort effectively
• Providing a shared method for all prioritisation discussions

Use examples of the benefits matrix.

• Defining strategic priorities as part of a planning session
• Reaching team consensus on projects
• Organising and planning marketing campaigns
• Facilitating team or department priorities
• Review of creative ideas
• Prioritising the daily to-do list!

This decision making tool can be created as a templated canvas, used in an online whiteboard such as Mural or you can simply draw it out using a flipchart and sharpie. We have mastered the art of using this tool, through our Practitioner Certification Program work with LUMA Institute and our work as Design Council Experts for Design Council, along with other design-led organisations. We regularly use it in the studio at The Engine Room for both our business and our clients' businesses.