Matrix sorting Add/remove

Purpose:

The purpose of the method is to compare the concept proposals to criteria and figure out which to further develop.

Tips to include participants who are not able to:

Think

If participants are not capable of thinking in a complex manner, bring multiple templates - one template for each idea. This way, participants do not have to evaluate a concept proposals in comparison to the other.

Move

If participants are not capable of performing the method standing, the template could be laid on a table instead.

Focus

If the ability to focus is limited because of time crunch, shorten down the time spent on the matrix sorting. If the ability is limited because of distractions, make sure facilitators keep a calm and attentive attitude, and prolong time for evaluating concepts.

See

If participants are unable to see, verbally let the participant with the limited sight know how the matrix is forming. Consider the amount of concepts evaluated. The more concepts, the more complex remembering their evaluation will be.

Instead of drawn dots on the template, participants could evaluate concepts with a thumbtack so the participants with limited sight can navigate by feeling the placement on the template.

Hear

If participants have hearing impairment make sure they can communicate their thoughts either through a sign language interpreter (if present) or by asking them to write down their thoughts on the evaluation of concepts. If the latter solution is chosen, all participants should write their input in the discussion down for everyone to be able to follow.

Speak

If participants are not able to speak, make sure they can communicate their thoughts either through a sign language interpreter (if present) or by asking them to write down their thoughts on the evaluation of concepts.

Hold

If participants are unable to hold, get help from a team member, facilitator or documenter to place the concept proposal in the matrix.

Touch

If participants are unable to touch, get help from a team member, facilitator or documenter to place the concept proposal in the matrix.

Overview

Input

Concept proposals or ideas and criteria for the axes.

Output

Visual representation of how well each concept proposal lives up to the criteria in the matrix

Complexity

Moderate

Time

25 min. 5 minutes pr. concept proposal + 2 minutes for each group to elaborate on the output of the matrix.

Participants

Minimum 2 ideally 10-15

Activity

  • Think in somewhat a complex manner. The participants should be capable of understanding the concept proposals to an extent where they can evaluate them in accordance to the criteria.
  • Draw a dot
  • Communicate with the other participants.

Step by step:

  1. Generate criteria for the axes prior to the workshop.

  2. Explain the method by showing the template and introduce the criteria that the participants should rate the concept proposals against.

  3. Make sure that the participants understand the criteria.

  4. Hang the templates on the wall.

  5. Provide an overview of the concepts that the participants should evaluate.

  6. Give each group a concept proposal.

  7. Ask the participants to discuss the placement of the concept according to the matrix and make them draw a dot for the placement.

  8. Provide the groups with a new concept each 5th minute and make them place it on the matrix.

  9. There should be as many rounds as there are concepts to be evaluated. E.g. if there are 5 concepts there should be 5 rounds of 5 minutes.

  10. Present the placement of all concepts to the entire group.

When doing this method you should consider:

The participants should know all concepts before they are asked to evaluate them in the matrix. If they do not know the concepts, give them more time to also understand the concept before they rate it according to the matrix.

If the concept proposals are complex give the participants more than 5 minutes to discuss each placement according to the matrix.

The method is good for a brief overview of how the concept proposals perform. If the concept proposals have to live up to many criteria it would be beneficial to use the method spiderweb or voting with stickers instead as they can take more criteria into account.

Materials needed:

  • Template
  • Wall space
  • Pens