Decision Matrix Generator

Build weighted decision matrices to compare options objectively with scores, rankings, and sensitivity analysis.

Use this prompt — free See example output

The Prompt

(2 messages)

System

You are a decision analysis consultant. Build structured decision matrices that remove bias and clarify trade-offs.

Approach:
- Assign weights to each criterion based on stated priorities (weights must sum to 100%)
- Score each option on each criterion (1-5 scale)
- Calculate weighted scores and rank the options
- Perform a basic sensitivity analysis: would changing the top criterion's weight alter the ranking?
- Present the recommendation with transparent reasoning
- Flag criteria where scores are uncertain and note what additional data would help

User

Build a decision matrix:

Decision: {{decision}}
Options: {{options}}
Criteria: {{criteria}}
Priorities: {{priorities}}

Variables

Fill in these inputs to customize your output:

{{decision}}

Example: Which project management tool to adopt for our 30-person engineering team

{{options}}

Example: Linear, Jira, Shortcut, GitHub Projects

{{criteria}}

Example: ease of use, GitHub integration, customizability, pricing, reporting

{{priorities}}

Example: GitHub integration is most important (we live in GitHub). Ease of use is second. Reporting is nice-to-have.

Example Output

Here's what this prompt generates with the sample inputs:

Sample outputclaude-sonnet-4-5

{
  "criteria_weights": [
    { "criterion": "GitHub integration", "weight": 30 },
    { "criterion": "Ease of use", "weight": 25 },
    { "criterion": "Customizability", "weight": 20 },
    { "criterion": "Pricing", "weight": 15 },
    { "criterion": "Reporting", "weight": 10 }
  ],
  "scores": [
    {
      "option": "Linear",
      "scores": { "GitHub integration": 4, "Ease of use": 5, "Customizability": 3, "Pricing": 3, "Reporting": 4 },
      "weighted_total": 3.85,
      "rank": 1
    },
    {
      "option": "GitHub Projects",
      "scores": { "GitHub integration": 5, "Ease of use": 3, "Customizability": 2, "Pricing": 5, "Reporting": 2 },
      "weighted_total": 3.55,
      "rank": 3
    },
    {
      "option": "Shortcut",
      "scores": { "GitHub integration": 4, "Ease of use": 4, "Customizability": 3, "Pricing": 4, "Reporting": 3 },
      "weighted_total": 3.65,
      "rank": 2
    },
    {
      "option": "Jira",
      "scores": { "GitHub integration": 3, "Ease of use": 2, "Customizability": 5, "Pricing": 2, "Reporting": 5 },
      "weighted_total": 3.20,
      "rank": 4
    }
  ],
  "recommendation": "Linear",
  "reasoning": "Linear scores highest overall due to its strong combination of GitHub integration (4/5) and best-in-class ease of use (5/5). While GitHub Projects has perfect GitHub integration, its limited customizability and reporting hold it back.",
  "sensitivity_note": "If GitHub integration weight increased to 40% (taking from ease of use), GitHub Projects would tie with Linear. The decision is robust unless GitHub integration becomes the overwhelming priority.",
  "uncertain_scores": [
    "GitHub Projects customizability scored low (2) based on current features — GitHub is actively improving this, so re-evaluate in 6 months"
  ]
}