Last Updated on 19 September 2023
A Matrix chart (also known as a matrix diagram) is a grid showing the different attributes of options. This helps you quickly compare the two different options to choose which one is best.
When do you use Matrix charts?
In root cause analysis the attributes are what the customer requires. Your options therefore end up rated against the customer requirements, helping you decide which option will solve your issues the best.
You use them whenever you want to compare different options, e.g.:
- Compare different options when you are trying to find which Lean Six Sigma project to perform next
- Decide which of your process improvement options match best to your requirements
- Choose which course you want to take for your personal development
How do you make a Matrix chart?
List your options
Write your options that you’re choosing between across the top of the matrix, one per column.
Choose the criteria you’re using to rate them with
Add the categories that are important to you down the side, such as cost, various benefits you want etc.
Rate the options out of 5
Rate each option for each category, giving it a score out of 5. It’s important to note that a good score is always 5 and a bad score is always 1. Bad attributes such as cost therefore have a high cost is 1 and low cost is 5, which might not be intuitive to you.
Total up the score for each option
Add up the total for each column, giving you your total score for each option.
Prioritize and choose your option
If you sort your options by score, this will give you a prioritized list from your different options. You don’t need to always choose the top option, but it will help
in your decision making process.
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