Decision Matrix.
WS06 scores the options from WS05 Trade-off Table against weighted criteria. The total isn't the decision — but when the recommendation differs from the top score, WS06 forces the team to say why.
Purpose
Side-by-side comparisons are easy to argue over. A weighted decision matrix makes the argument explicit — on what criteria, with what weights, scored how. The matrix doesn't replace judgment; it externalizes the judgment so it can be reviewed and revisited.
Use matrix vs skip matrix
WS06 supports two modes. use_matrix=0 is rationale-only — when the decision
is obvious and a matrix would be theater. use_matrix=1 is full scoring, for
the cases where multiple stakeholders have different criteria and weights. Pick one or
the other; don't do a half-matrix.
Template (matrix mode)
- Criteria — five to eight, each tied to WS04. Examples: cost, time-to-value, risk, strategic fit, operational burden.
- Weights — assign weights before scoring. Rule: if you adjust weights after seeing scores, you're retrofitting.
- Scoring scale — 1–5 or 1–10 per criterion, same scale across all options.
- Scoring source — who scored each option. For credibility, have the business score Value-like criteria; technical teams score Effort-like criteria.
- Weighted total — per option. Highest total is the matrix recommendation.
- Recommendation — usually matches the total. If it doesn't, write out why (context the matrix didn't capture).