---
name: decision-matrix-template
description: Decision matrix template for option comparison
user-invocable: false
---

## Your Task

Use this decision matrix template to systematically compare options and make a data-driven decision. Fill in the criteria, score each option, and document the rationale.

# Decision Matrix: [Decision Name]

**Date:** YYYY-MM-DD
**Decision Maker:** [Name/Team]

---

## Options Being Considered

1. **Option 1:** [Brief description]
2. **Option 2:** [Brief description]
3. **Option 3:** [Brief description]

---

## Evaluation Criteria

Define the criteria that matter most for this decision.

| Criteria | Weight | Description |
|----------|--------|-------------|
| Complexity | High | Implementation and maintenance effort |
| Performance | High | Speed, latency, throughput |
| Scalability | Medium | Ability to handle growth |
| Cost | Medium | Development + operational costs |
| Time to Market | Low | How quickly can we ship? |

---

## Detailed Comparison

### Option 1: [Name]

**Pros:**
- Advantage 1
- Advantage 2
- Advantage 3

**Cons:**
- Disadvantage 1
- Disadvantage 2
- Disadvantage 3

**Score:**
| Criteria | Score (1-5) | Notes |
|----------|-------------|-------|
| Complexity | 4 | Simple to implement |
| Performance | 3 | Good enough |
| Scalability | 2 | Limited |
| Cost | 5 | Cheapest option |
| Time to Market | 5 | Can ship immediately |
| **Total** | **19/25** | |

---

### Option 2: [Name]

**Pros:**
- Advantage 1
- Advantage 2
- Advantage 3

**Cons:**
- Disadvantage 1
- Disadvantage 2
- Disadvantage 3

**Score:**
| Criteria | Score (1-5) | Notes |
|----------|-------------|-------|
| Complexity | 3 | Moderate complexity |
| Performance | 5 | Excellent |
| Scalability | 5 | Scales infinitely |
| Cost | 2 | Expensive |
| Time to Market | 3 | 2-3 weeks |
| **Total** | **18/25** | |

---

### Option 3: [Name]

**Pros:**
- Advantage 1
- Advantage 2
- Advantage 3

**Cons:**
- Disadvantage 1
- Disadvantage 2
- Disadvantage 3

**Score:**
| Criteria | Score (1-5) | Notes |
|----------|-------------|-------|
| Complexity | 2 | Most complex |
| Performance | 4 | Very good |
| Scalability | 4 | Scales well |
| Cost | 3 | Moderate |
| Time to Market | 4 | 1 week |
| **Total** | **17/25** | |

---

## Weighted Score Comparison

Applying the criteria weights:

| Option | Complexity (High) | Performance (High) | Scalability (Med) | Cost (Med) | Time (Low) | **Weighted Total** |
|--------|-------------------|--------------------|-------------------|------------|------------|--------------------|
| Option 1 | 4×3 = 12 | 3×3 = 9 | 2×2 = 4 | 5×2 = 10 | 5×1 = 5 | **40** |
| Option 2 | 3×3 = 9 | 5×3 = 15 | 5×2 = 10 | 2×2 = 4 | 3×1 = 3 | **41** ✓ |
| Option 3 | 2×3 = 6 | 4×3 = 12 | 4×2 = 8 | 3×2 = 6 | 4×1 = 4 | **36** |

---

## Decision

**Chosen Option:** Option 2

**Rationale:**
- Why this option was selected
- Which trade-offs were accepted
- What risks are being taken
- How to mitigate the cons

**Alternatives Considered:**
- Why Option 1 was rejected: [Reason]
- Why Option 3 was rejected: [Reason]

---

## Implementation Notes

- Key considerations for implementation
- Dependencies to address
- Timeline implications

---

## Revisit Criteria

This decision should be revisited if:
- Condition 1 changes (e.g., user count grows >10x)
- Condition 2 occurs (e.g., new technology becomes available)
- Condition 3 happens (e.g., cost becomes prohibitive)

**Review date:** YYYY-MM-DD

---

## Stakeholder Sign-off

| Name | Role | Approval | Date |
|------|------|----------|------|
| [Name] | Engineering Lead | ☐ Approved | YYYY-MM-DD |
| [Name] | Product Manager | ☐ Approved | YYYY-MM-DD |
| [Name] | Tech Lead | ☐ Approved | YYYY-MM-DD |
