Evaluation Matrix

Prioritize ideas based on the most relevant success criteria for the project.

applied for

Ideation

Stakeholders

Offering

Map

also called

How-Now-Wow Matrix, Evaluation Metrics, Dot Voting

what is it

The evaluation matrix allows to weight different ideas, rating them based on a set of defined criteria, in order to identify the most promising ones. A common set of criteria includes the level of complexity related to idea implementation, and level of value they will bring to the user and to the organization.

use it to

Have a comprehensive view of all the possibilities, and choose carefully what to do.

remember to

Spot the ideas with highest impact as well as quick low-hanging fruits.

Preview image of the template for Evaluation Matrix

case studies

Assessing trauma-informed care solutions for homeless and sheltered families in New York City

Prioritizing shelter policies and practices based on their impact on families and their ability to mitigate homelessness trauma

description

There are many criteria that teams can use to evaluate which ideas to take forward into solution development. To help with this process of sorting and prioritization, the Service Design Studio at the New York City Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity used an evaluation matrix. The design team was tasked with evaluating the current practices of New York City homeless shelters and designing solutions to help mitigate homelessness trauma for families living in these shelters. The team conducted in-depth research and interviews with stakeholders before conducting a co-design workshop to brainstorm ideas. The resulting ideas were ranked in the matrix based on two main evaluation criteria:

  1. The vertical axis measured how direct of an impact the solution would have on a family’s shelter experience. Ideas with a more direct impact were ranked higher than those resulting in an indirect impact.

  2. The horizontal axis categorized ideas by their ability to mitigate trauma. To evaluate this, the design team used four key principles for trauma-informed organizations. Ideas embodying more of the four principles ranked higher than those meeting only one or two.
    By using the evaluation matrix as part of their design process, the team was able to identify ideas to take forward towards concept development.

what is interesting

By mapping the ideas on an evaluation matrix, the design team was able to visually sort and identify patterns between the solutions with the most impact. The combination of the four key trauma-informed principles with the evaluation matrix allowed for a deeper evaluation of the service solutions, helping identify ideas that were more well-rounded and worth further refinement.

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