Decision Matrix Principles Of Engineering © 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Develop Decision Matrix Name of PowerPoint Name of Course Name of Lesson Develop Decision Matrix A decision matrix is used to compare design solutions against one another using specific criteria. Design problem constraints are identified by the customer in the workplace. For classroom purposes, the student teams will be provided the constraints and will be required to develop a decision matrix. A decision matrix is a design tool that may be used multiple times throughout a design process. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2008
Develop Decision Matrix Name of PowerPoint Name of Course Name of Lesson Develop Decision Matrix Identify the criteria Identify additional types of criteria Create a grading scale Identify criteria such as cost, reusability, geometry, connections, cleanliness, resilience, and testability. Other types of criteria are function, product life span, development time, size, material costs, development costs, manufacturing costs, company standards, manufacturing capabilities, and safety. This is a sample list only; it is not all inclusive for criteria. A grading scale must be developed to assign values for each criteria category. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2008
Cost Reusability Geometry Connections Cleanliness Resilience Name of PowerPoint Name of Course Name of Lesson Identifying Criteria Cost Reusability Geometry Connections Cleanliness Resilience Testability Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2008
Additional Types of Criteria Name of PowerPoint Name of Course Name of Lesson Additional Types of Criteria Function Product life span Development time Size Material costs Development costs Manufacturing costs Company standards Manufacturing capabilities Safety Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2008
Name of PowerPoint Name of Course Name of Lesson Grading Scale Here are a few grading scale examples that can be used to evaluate the design ideas. Keep in mind that teams can also create their own and submit the scale for approval. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2008
Name of PowerPoint Name of Course Name of Lesson Ranking the Solutions The items listed at the top of the matrix are the constraints for the design problem. These constraints are typically identified by the client; however, for this example they were self-generated. The items listed on the left side of the matrix are the brainstorming solutions for the design problem. These are generated by student teams. The Reusable and Self-Adhering columns are examples of constraints that utilize the Question Scale (bottom right). All other constraints utilize the Rank Scale (bottom left) to identify the best solution to the design problem. The column on the right side of the matrix is the Total of the rankings for all constraints per proposed design solution. The solution with the highest total is considered the best solution to the design problem. Design decisions should be based on analysis and logic, not personal opinion. For this example, the interlocking centimeter cubes are the best solution to the design problem. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2008
Name of PowerPoint Name of Course Name of Lesson The Right Decision Design decisions should be based on analysis and logic, not personal opinion. A decision matrix is a design tool that may be used multiple times throughout a design process. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2008