Decision Matrix from Reading: Options, Tradeoffs & Recommendation
Turn complex reading into clear decisions: extract options, map tradeoffs, and get AI-generated recommendations with explicit reasoning.
When to Use a Decision Matrix (Not Just a Summary)
A summary tells you what the reading said. A decision matrix tells you what to do about it. Use this decision matrix prompt when you face:
Multiple viable options that aren’t clearly ranked. Tradeoffs that need to be made explicit. Stakeholders who want to see reasoning laid out. Decisions where “it depends” is honest but not useful.
The Two-Step Prompt Workflow
Step 1: Run PR043 to extract the decision landscape. This surfaces what matters for decision-making, separates signal from noise, and identifies assumptions.
Step 2: Request the matrix format. After AI returns the extraction, add: “Now structure this as a decision matrix. Rows = options. Columns = key criteria (cost, time, risk, impact). Include a recommendation with reasoning.”
Add decision constraints to Step 2: “We prioritize speed over cost. Budget is fixed at $50K. The decision-maker is risk-averse.” These constraints let AI weight the matrix appropriately.
Example: What the Matrix Output Looks Like
Decision Question: Which CRM vendor should we select?
Options: Vendor A (enterprise), Vendor B (mid-market), Vendor C (startup-focused)
Criteria: Implementation time | Total cost (3-year) | Integration complexity | User adoption risk
Recommendation: Vendor B — best balance of cost and implementation speed given our 6-month timeline. Vendor A is stronger long-term but requires 9+ months. Vendor C is cheapest but integration risk is high.
What would change this: If timeline extended to 12 months → Vendor A. If budget cut by 40% → Vendor C with risk mitigation.
Customizing Criteria for Your Context
Default criteria (cost, time, risk, impact) work for most business decisions, but customize based on what your decision making with AI requires:
For technical decisions: Add scalability, maintenance burden, team capability match
For hiring decisions: Add culture fit, growth potential, compensation expectations
For product decisions: Add customer impact, competitive differentiation, development effort
AI can structure options and identify tradeoffs, but it can’t weigh your organization’s priorities. The matrix is a decision aid, not a decision maker.
What If the Reading Doesn’t List Options?
Ask AI to infer options: “Based on this reading, what are the implicit options being considered?” Often articles present a recommended path without explicitly listing alternatives. AI can surface what the author chose not to emphasize.
Build Your Decision Toolkit
The Decision Matrix works alongside Action Memo for recommendations, Stakeholder Update for communication, and the broader Reading for Work pillar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turn Reading Into Better Decisions
Practice extracting options, weighing tradeoffs, and building decision-ready outputs across 365 real articles.
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