Impact & Effort Matrix
The Impact & Effort Matrix is a decision-making tool that helps teams evaluate and prioritize ideas based on their potential impact and the effort required to implement them. It is especially useful for balancing short-term actions with long-term strategic goals.
How to run it
- 1
Begin by clearly framing the goal or problem you are addressing with a question like 'What do we need to reach our goal?'
- 2
Ask participants to brainstorm ideas individually and write each idea on a sticky note.
- 3
Draw a 2x2 matrix on a large paper or whiteboard with axes labeled 'Impact' and 'Effort'.
- 4
Participants place their sticky notes on the matrix according to their perceived impact and effort.
- 5
Facilitate a group discussion to review and adjust the positioning of ideas, aiming for consensus.
- 6
Focus on the ideas in the 'high impact, low effort' quadrant for quick wins.
Tips
Encourage open discussion about each idea's placement on the matrix to ensure all perspectives are considered.
Use this method to identify 'quick wins' and avoid getting bogged down by ideas that are high effort with low impact.
Variations
For virtual teams, this exercise can be conducted using online collaborative tools that allow for real-time editing and discussion. Consider adding a voting step where participants can express their preferences after the initial placements. You can adjust the criteria for impact and effort based on specific project needs or create multiple matrices for different goals. For smaller groups, consider using digital tools to create the matrix. Additionally, you can adapt the axes to reflect other criteria relevant to your specific context, such as cost or risk.
Where it fits
Related methods
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Impact & Effort Matrix?▾
Use Impact & Effort Matrix when you want to: Prioritizing project tasks; Evaluating strategic initiatives; Balancing short-term and long-term goals; team kickoff; product development planning; strategic prioritization; project retrospectives; Balancing strategic and tactical goals; Evaluating new product features.
How long does Impact & Effort Matrix take?▾
Impact & Effort Matrix typically takes 30–60 minutes.
How many participants does Impact & Effort Matrix work for?▾
Impact & Effort Matrix works best for groups of 2–15 participants.
What materials do I need for Impact & Effort Matrix?▾
To run Impact & Effort Matrix you will need: Sticky notes, Markers, Large paper or whiteboard.
How difficult is Impact & Effort Matrix to facilitate?▾
Impact & Effort Matrix is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Gamestorming.