An IdeaScale Whiteboard facilitator guide for Prioritization Matrix Brainstorm
This IdeaScale Whiteboard will be our collaborative space for prioritizing items. As shown in the image, we'll use its features to organize ideas or tasks based on their priority and feasibility.
Brainstorming Objectives:
- To prioritize a set of ideas, tasks, or features based on their priority and feasibility.
- To make informed decisions about resource allocation and project planning.
- To effectively utilize the whiteboard for the visual representation and categorization of items within the Prioritization Matrix.
Timing: 60 minutes
Brainstorming Instructions - 30 minutes
Introduction (15 minutes)
- Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the Prioritization Matrix.
- Explain the components of the matrix, as shown in the image:
- High Priority: Items that are important and need to be addressed sooner rather than later.
- Low Priority: Items that are less important and can be addressed later or not at all.
- High Feasibility: Items that are easy to implement or achieve with available resources.
- Low Feasibility: Items that are difficult to implement or require significant resources.
- Explain the four quadrants of the matrix:
- High Priority, High Feasibility: Focus on these first; they're both impactful and achievable.
- High Priority, Low Feasibility: These are important but may require extra resources or time.
- Low Priority, High Feasibility: Consider these for quick, easy wins with lower impact.
- Low Priority, Low Feasibility: These are the least critical and can be deferred or set aside.
- Explain how to use the digital sticky notes and whiteboard sections to capture and categorize items into the Prioritization Matrix.
Brainstorming Instructions (30 minutes)
- Activity 1: Idea/Task Collection (10 minutes)
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- Begin by collecting ideas, tasks, or features from the participants.
- Instruct them to write each item on a digital sticky note.
- Ensure that all items are clearly stated and understood by the group.
- Activity 2: Mapping Items onto the Matrix (20 minutes)
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- Guide the group in placing each sticky note onto the Prioritization Matrix.
- Facilitate a discussion for each item, considering:
- Priority: How important is this item? What is its impact or urgency?
- Feasibility: How easy or difficult is this item to implement? What resources are required?
- Place each sticky note in the appropriate quadrant based on the group's assessment.
Adjourn (15 minutes)
- Review the items in each quadrant of the Prioritization Matrix.
- Discuss the implications of the prioritization:
- Which items should be addressed first?
- Which items need more planning or resource allocation?
- Which items can be deferred or discarded?
- Define the next steps based on the prioritization.
- Capture the final Prioritization Matrix on the whiteboard and distribute it to participants.
- Thank participants for their contributions.
Tips for Facilitators
- Ensure everyone understands the definitions of "Priority" and "Feasibility."
- Encourage open discussion and diverse perspectives when assessing items.
- Use the digital whiteboard to visually organize the matrix and the items.
- Facilitate the discussion to ensure that items are placed in the most appropriate quadrant.
- Guide the group to make clear decisions based on the prioritization.