🧭 When & What to Research
When To Do Research
Two decision matrices for deciding whether research is worth the time.
~6 min read
Impact vs. Probability matrix
Cross the probability that we don't know something against the impact of not knowing it on the business.
- High probability × High impact → critical, mandatory research
- High probability × Medium impact → full research, recommended
- High probability × Low impact → quick research
- Medium probability × High impact → full research, mandatory
- Medium probability × Low impact → consider research again in the future
- Low probability × High impact → consider research again in the future
- Low probability × Low/Medium impact → skip research (optional, could be useful)
Impact vs. Decision Reversibility matrix
Cross how impactful a decision is against how reversible it is.
- Low impact, reversible decision → skip research and go ahead
- High impact, reversible decision → quick research before deciding
- Low impact, irreversible decision → research recommended before deciding
- High impact, irreversible decision → thorough, critical research before deciding