Impact vs. effort matrix
Compare the effort it takes to implement an idea against the level of impact it would have.
What is it?
An impact effort matrix is a way of organizing proposed solutions or problem areas based on the effort it takes to team resolve the problems, versus the impact it will have on the users once a solution is proposed. It is a grid with the x-axis labelled “Effort” and the y-axis labelled “Impact.”
The matrix is split into 4 quadrants: the top left quadrant is considered high impact and low effort (top priority), while the bottom right quadrant is low impact and high effort (low priority). Any solutions that lie in the bottom left and top right quadrant need to be discussed further as a team in terms of priorities.
Purpose of impact vs. effort matrix
The matrix is used to prioritize solutions and design possibilities with high impact and low effort as the top priority. The goal is to choose a solutions or issues that can be addressed with minimum effort but the highest impact in the time span determined by the team.
How to do this?
An Impact vs. Effort Matrix is best used when you have conducted multiple user research sessions and have compiled a collection of insights on post-it notes.
- Highlight main problems: During user research sessions, each team member will write one insight per sticky note as they are watching the session.
- Sorting: Team members will take the sticky notes and place them somewhere along the matrix. This is best done in a group setting with your team and stakeholders present. Everyone will have different opinions on what creates the most impact and which issues are more of a priority.
- Reorganize: As the exercise is being done, team members may discuss with each other on the placement of stickies. They may choose to move them to somewhere else on the matrix based on the discussion.
- Decide: Using the matrix, the team (possibly decision maker) will discuss a few issues or solutions to handle based on the impact and effort. For instance, a proposed solution in the top left quadrant (low effort, high impact) would be chosen to be implemented over a solution placed in the bottom right quadrant (high effort, low impact). You may combine other techniques such as dot voting to further prioritize needs.