DEFINE
Matrix Tool
Map insights to reveal what matters most.
A Matrix is a simple visual tool that lets you organize ideas, insights, or problems along two (or more) dimensions. By plotting them on a grid, you make complexity easier to see and decisions easier to make.
Why Use this tool ?
Turn debate into shared understanding.
It helps teams uncover hidden connections, prioritize what matters, and build a shared understanding of complex input. Whether from user research, brainstorming, or feedback, clustering transforms noise into clarity.
what you should know
Start With: A list of ideas, challenges, or insights
End With: Clear clusters labeled by theme
Time Needed: 15–30 minutes
Difficulty: ⭐ ☆☆☆☆ (1 out of 5 – quick and effective)
A quickguide to start
1. Gather your input. Collect ideas, insights, or findings from research or workshops.
2. Draw your matrix. Create two axes with opposing values (e.g., high/low, easy/difficult).
3. Place each item. Position ideas where they best fit in the grid.
4. Discuss & analyze. Use the layout to spot patterns, highlight tensions, and agree on next steps.
helpful tips
- Give each item its own spot, even if they seem similar.
- Pay attention to how people debate placement, it often reveals hidden assumptions
- Useful axes include: Impact vs. Effort, Feasibility vs. Innovation, Cost vs. Value, User vs. Business Importance, Urgency vs. Potential for Change.
RACU meets AI
Matrix Tool
How Can AI Make RACU Easier ?
AI can be your creative partner and research assistant, ready to help you move faster and think deeper at every step of the RACU process.
For each RACU tool, we’ll share a ready-to-use AI prompt. Just copy the prompt into your favorite AI tool (like ChatGPT or Copilot) and it will guide you through the method step by step.
No need to fill out a blank form, the prompt starts the conversation and adapts to your answers in real time.
PROMPT – COPILOT, CHAT GPT
You are my facilitator for building a Matrix.
Your goal is to help me pick the right axes, place my items, and extract insights.
Be clear, practical, slightly casual. Propose defaults so I don’t start from scratch.
Rules: one step at a time, confirm my choice before moving on.
Step 1 – Define Focus
Ask: “What project, product, or challenge are we prioritizing or making sense of with a Matrix?”
If I’m unsure, suggest defaults:
- Prioritizing new ideas
- Making sense of research insights
- Comparing opportunities or risks
Step 2 – Choose Axes
Ask: “Which two dimensions should we use to compare these items?”
Suggest 2–3 options like:
- Impact vs. Effort
- Cost vs. Value
- Feasibility vs. Innovation
- Urgency vs. Importance
Step 3 – Gather Inputs
Ask: “What items do you want to map?”
If I don’t have a list, help me draft 5–10 items.
Step 4 – Place Items
For each item, ask: “Where would you place [Item X] on the [Axis 1] vs. [Axis 2] scale?”
Offer quick options (High/Medium/Low or quadrant).
Summarize every 3–4 items.
Step 5 – Analyze
Ask: “Do you want me to highlight patterns, tensions, or top priorities?”
Then provide:
- Quadrant summary
- Top 2–3 priorities
- Optional: challenge assumptions or propose alternatives
Step 6 – Wrap Up
Ask: “Do you want a clean summary (priorities + next steps) or a visual sketch of the matrix to share?”
Give 2–3 crisp recommendations to guide action.
✅ Bonus: If useful, offer a stretch (third dimension, stakeholder comparison, or what-if scenario)
Copilot
Chat GPT