The Decision Matrix
The Decision Matrix is a decision-making tool that helps one weigh various options against
multiple criteria and choose the best one in a particular scenario. Here is a 6 step guide to
creating a decision-making matrix.
Step 1: Define The Problem Statement
A good first step is to define the problem statement for which the decision is being made.
This will ensure that you always have the bigger picture in mind.
For example: Your team is spread across the country. You need to find a way for them to work
together and collaborate better, despite the physical distance.
Step 2: List Out The Various Options
Do your research and find the various options that can be implemented. List these out on
the left most column of your matrix.
For example: Based on your research, you found 4 tools that could be used to improve
collaboration. You need to decide which one is best suited for your requirement.
Problem Statement: Find a tool to improve collaboration in a virtual team
Options
(collaboration tools)
We-Are-One
Collab 360
Symphony
V-teams
Step 3: List Out The Decision-Making Criteria
Once your options are in place, define the various criteria based on which you will be
making your decision.
For example: Some of your team is based in remote locations, without access to a laptop or
stable internet connection. You need a tool that works for them as well.
Problem Statement: Find a tool to improve collaboration in a virtual team.
Criteria
Pricing
Ease of use on
mobile devices
Internet/data
requirements
Options
(collaboration tools)
We-Are-One
Collab 360
Symphony
V-teams
Step 4: Assign A Weightage For Each Criteria
Now, you need to determine how important each criteria is when making your decision. Assign
a number between 1 to 5 for each criteria (where 1 is not important at all and 5 is extremely
important).
For example: You have a bit of budget left to spend for the year, so you are not too worried
about the price. However, there is nothing you can do about the internet connectivity of the
team. So, pricing would have a lower weightage than internet/data requirements.
Problem Statement: Find a tool to improve collaboration in a virtual team.
Criteria
Pricing
Ease of use on
mobile devices
Internet/data
requirements
Weightage
2
4
5
Options
(collaboration tools)
We-Are-One
Collab 360
Symphony
V-teams
Step 5: Assign Scores For Each Option Against Each Criteria
Now, it is time to fill in your decision matrix. Evaluate each option against the different criteria
and assign a score from 1 to 5 (where 1 does not meet the criteria at all and 5 means that it
completely meets the criteria)
For example: Collab 360 is an expensive but mobile-based application. It is easy to use and
even has a lite version suited to unstable internet connections. We-Are-One, on the other
hand, is affordable but mainly meant for laptops, so the experience on a mobile phone or
tablet is not the best.
Options
(collaboration tools)
Problem Statement: Find a tool to improve collaboration in a virtual team.
Criteria
Pricing
Ease of use on
mobile devices
Internet/data
requirements
Weightage
2
4
5
We-Are-One
4
3
3
Collab 360
2
4
5
Symphony
3
3
4
V-teams
2
5
2
Step 6: Calculate A Final Score For Each Option
Finally, for each option, multiply the score you have given under each criteria with the
weight of that criteria. Add all the values in the row together to get your final score. The
option with the highest value is likely to be the best. Discuss with the relevant stakeholders
about this option before making a final decision.
For example: In this case, Collab360 has the highest total score of 45 and so is likely to be the
best option. Talk to the relevant stakeholders, try a pilot run and see if the tool works for you
before taking a final decision.
Options
(collaboration tools)
Problem Statement: Find a tool to improve collaboration in a virtual team.
Criteria
Pricing
Ease of use on
mobile devices
Internet/data
requirements
Score
Weightage
2
4
5
We-Are-One
4*2=8
3*4=12
3*5=15
8+12+15=35
Collab 360
2*2=4
4*4=16
5*5=25
4+16+25=45
Symphony
3*2=6
3*4=12
4*5=20
6+12+20=38
V-teams
2*2=4
5*4=20
2*5=10
4+20+10=34