Effort/impact scale

The effort/impact matrix is a type of prioritization matrix that narrows down the list of solutions and helps you decide what to implement next. This is a great exercise for even novice facilitators.

To run this exercise, draw a graph on a whiteboard. Label the horizontal axis as "Effort" and the vertical axis as "Impact." Separate the graph into 4 quadrants by drawing lines from the mid-point of each axis.

Take the first sticky note with a solution, read it to the group, and place it in the middle of the 4 quadrants. Ask the group directly: "Would you rate the effort of this idea as higher or lower?" Encourage them to give you feedback by saying "higher" or "lower." Move the note until the group agrees, and repeat the process with the rest of the notes and quadrants. When done, you'll get 4 groups of solutions prioritized by the impact on users and the effort that will be needed to implement them:

• Top left quadrant: Implement these ideas first and prioritize them over others
• Top right: Use these as the foundation of a project
• Bottom left: These are good ideas to base small tasks on
• Bottom right: Set these at the bottom of your priority list