Tradeoff Analysis

Choose among a small set of real options with the criteria, weights and evidence in plain view. A weighted decision matrix with a sensitivity check and a reversibility check.

When to use

• Picking a library, vendor, architecture, plan, hire, design or build-vs-buy.
• "A or B?", "compare these", "which should we pick", "is it worth it".
• A decision the user must defend to others.

Skip: generating options from scratch (explore first, then come here), reviewing one plan for flaws, or ranking a long backlog.

Before you start

1. State in one block: Decision (one sentence), Deadline or cost of delay, and Pass (Options, Must-haves, Criteria, Score, Sensitivity, Reversibility, Recommendation).
2. Gather first. Read docs, benchmarks, pricing, the codebase and constraints before scoring. Every score needs a one-line basis; unsupported scores are marked [ESTIMATED]. Ask up to 3 questions only for goals and constraints tools cannot answer.
3. Light path. Small ask: 2-3 options, 3 criteria, one-line reasons, a one-sentence sensitivity check.

Steps