Prompt

Decision Matrix Creator

decisionsanalysisframework

Decision Matrix Creator: Objective Choices

Good decisions require clear thinking. A decision matrix helps you compare options objectively against weighted criteria, removing emotion and bias.

Full Prompt
Build a weighted decision matrix that scores each option against my criteria, then deliver a clear recommendation with transparent reasoning so I can decide with confidence.

DECISION ANALYSIS INSTRUCTIONS:
1. List each option as a column and each criterion as a row.
2. Normalize importance weights so they sum to 100%.
3. Score each option against each criterion on a 1-5 scale:
   1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Acceptable, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
4. Compute weighted scores (weight x score) and totals for each option.
5. Perform a sensitivity check: identify which single criterion change would flip the top recommendation.
6. Provide a final recommendation with:
   - The winning option and its weighted total
   - The key differentiators that drove the result
   - One caveat or risk to watch for
   - A gut-check question for me to validate the result against intuition

OUTPUT CONSTRAINTS:
- Present the matrix as a clean table (options as columns, criteria as rows).
- Show raw scores AND weighted scores in each cell (format: raw / weighted).
- Bold the winning option's column header.
- Keep the recommendation section to one concise paragraph followed by bullet points.
- Include the sensitivity check as a brief note after the recommendation.

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MY INFO:

Options to Choose Between: (required)

Criteria That Matter (with importance level -- e.g., "Cost: very important", "Ease of use: moderate"): (required)

Context or Goal Behind the Decision: (optional)

Dealbreakers or Must-Haves: (optional)

How It Works

  1. List Options: What are you choosing between?
  2. Define Criteria: What matters in this decision?
  3. Weight Importance: Which criteria matter most?
  4. Score Options: Rate each option per criterion
  5. Calculate: Weighted scores reveal the winner

Example Criteria

  • Cost/Budget
  • Time to implement
  • Risk level
  • Quality/Performance
  • Scalability
  • Team preference

When to Use

  • Choosing between vendors
  • Technology stack decisions
  • Hiring between candidates
  • Strategic direction choices
  • Personal life decisions

Decision Tips

  • Limit to 3-5 key criteria
  • Be honest about weights
  • Score consistently across options
  • Trust the numbers, but verify with gut

Make decisions you can defend with data.