Trade Study / Decision Matrix
Compare system alternatives against weighted technical, cost, schedule and risk criteria, then test how assumptions and changing priorities affect the preferred option.
Make system alternative selection transparent, traceable and sensitive to the criteria that matter.
A trade study compares feasible alternatives against agreed criteria and weights. A decision matrix can make assumptions explicit, but the arithmetic is only as credible as the criteria, scoring basis, uncertainty and stakeholder agreement behind it.
This tool uses three fictional architecture alternatives. You set criterion weights, adjust scores, review risk and sensitivity, then apply a changed-priority challenge to see whether the ranking remains robust.
Trade Study / Decision Matrix — Step by Step
Eight stages establish the decision context, review alternatives, set criterion weights, score performance, cost/schedule/risk, test sensitivity, apply a changed-priority challenge and conclude with management review.
Weighted Decision Matrix, Ranking and Sensitivity
Reveal the context to begin.
Review criteria, weights, scoring basis, alternative scores and weighted contribution.
Explore Decision Sensitivity
Adjust criterion weights in an isolated matrix and observe how the ranking changes. Experiment Mode does not change the guided trade study.
Test your systems-engineering judgement.
Trade study and decision-matrix cues
Alternative
A feasible system solution or architecture option included in the comparison.
Criterion
A decision attribute such as performance, reliability, cost, schedule, risk, maintainability or growth capability.
Weight
The relative importance assigned to a criterion. Weights should reflect the decision context and stakeholder priorities.
Score
The alternative's assessed performance against a criterion using a defined, evidence-based scale.
Weighted Score
The criterion score multiplied by its normalised weight, then summed across criteria for each alternative.
Sensitivity
The extent to which reasonable changes in weights or scores alter the ranking or preferred alternative.
A decision matrix supports a decision; it does not make the decision objectively true.
Document criteria, weights, scoring evidence and uncertainty, test sensitivity and preserve the rationale so the preferred alternative can be challenged and revisited when assumptions change.