Prompt: Build a Decision Matrix

This prompt build decision matrix output gives you a structured comparison of options with weighted scoring and a clear recommendation. No more paralysis.

Decisions stall when you try to hold all the variables in your head. A matrix externalizes the thinking so you can evaluate objectively.

The Prompt

You are a strategic advisor. Build a weighted decision matrix for the following decision.

Decision: [e.g., which CRM to choose, whether to hire or outsource, which market to enter first]

Options to compare:
1. [Option A]
2. [Option B]
3. [Option C]
(add more if needed)

Criteria that matter to me (in rough order of importance):
- [e.g., cost, ease of implementation, scalability, team adoption, integration with existing tools]

For each criterion I listed:
1. Assign a weight from 1-10 based on the importance order I gave (most important = 10)
2. Score each option 1-10 on that criterion
3. Calculate weighted score (weight x score)

Output:
1. A table showing: Criterion | Weight | Option A Score | Option A Weighted | Option B Score | Option B Weighted | Option C Score | Option C Weighted
2. Total weighted scores for each option
3. The winner and why (2-3 sentences)
4. The risk with the winning option (what could go wrong)
5. When you would choose differently (scenarios where a different option wins)

If I did not list enough criteria, suggest 2-3 I might be overlooking and include them in the matrix.

How to Use This

Be honest about your criteria. If price is the most important factor, say so. The matrix only works if the weights reflect your actual priorities, not what you think you should care about.

After getting the output, check if the recommendation matches your gut feeling. If it does not, that gap is worth exploring. Either your gut knows something the matrix does not, or the matrix is revealing a bias you did not realize you had.

When to Use a Decision Matrix

Any decision with three or more options and three or more criteria. Below that threshold, you can reason through it without a matrix.

Also useful when multiple stakeholders have different priorities. Build the matrix together, agree on the weights first, then score. The conversation about weights is often more valuable than the final score.

The Hidden Value

Section 5 of the output, the "when you would choose differently" part, is the most useful. It stress-tests your decision against future scenarios you might not have considered.

Build These Systems

Ready to implement? These step-by-step tutorials show you exactly how:

• How to Create Dynamic Prompt Chains - Chain multiple AI calls together where each output feeds the next prompt.
• How to Build an AI Troubleshooting Wizard - Guide customers through troubleshooting steps using AI-powered decision trees.
• How to Build Few-Shot Prompts for Consistent Output - Use example-based prompting to get reliable, formatted AI responses every time.