value-effort-matrix

Value/Effort Matrix In A Nutshell

The value/effort matrix is a feature prioritization model used to build effective product roadmaps. The value/effort matrix allows product managers to prioritize their product backlog using a confident, structured approach. The product team learns how to plan an effective roadmap, identify boundaries of work, and differentiate between needs and wants.

Task/ActivityDescriptionAnalysisImplicationsExamples
High Value, Low EffortTasks with significant value and minimal effort needed.These tasks offer high ROI with little resource investment.Prioritize and complete these tasks quickly to maximize benefits.Implementing quick process improvements, optimizing email marketing campaigns.
High Value, High EffortTasks with significant value but requiring substantial effort.These tasks offer high ROI but require careful planning and resources.Allocate resources wisely, plan meticulously, and monitor progress closely.Launching a new product, conducting a comprehensive market research study.
Low Value, Low EffortTasks with limited value and minimal effort needed.These tasks have low impact, but they don’t consume significant resources.Consider completing these tasks if they align with other priorities.Filing routine paperwork, organizing office supplies.
Low Value, High EffortTasks with limited value and requiring significant effort.These tasks offer minimal returns and may not be worth the effort.Carefully evaluate whether these tasks are worth pursuing.Engaging in lengthy administrative processes for minor benefits.

Understanding the value/effort matrix

Prioritization is a vital component of product management and the product development lifecycle.

However, many product managers tend to prioritize minor customer complaints or some shiny new idea they thought of yesterday. Many managers are also ill-equipped to make important decisions โ€“ whether through a lack of experience or access to appropriate tools or processes. As a result, the product backlog can quickly become a recess for hundreds of unnecessary features or bugs.

Ultimately, effective prioritization means striking a balance between delivering value and the resources available.

The next section will detail how this balance might be achieved.

Using the value/effort matrix

The value/effort matrix is a 2×2 matrix with:

  • Effort on the x-axis, defined as the resources needed to complete a task. That is, how difficult will the task be to complete?
  • Value on the y-axis, defined as the business or product value a feature will bring. Value can be defined in several ways. How will the feature help gain new customers? How many customers will the feature impact? How does the feature help the business make money? Does the feature increase product virality?

For both value and effort, the team should create a scoring system and rank each feature accordingly. A sample scoring system is provided below:

  • 1 โ€“ minimal value/extra small effort.
  • 5 โ€“ low value/small effort.
  • 8 โ€“ medium value/medium effort.
  • 13 โ€“ high value/large effort.
  • 20 โ€“ super-high value/extra-large effort.

The team can then plot each feature on the matrix according to its value and effort score, landing in one of four quadrants:

  1. Time sinks (low value/high effort) โ€“ or tasks that should be left until last or abandoned altogether.
  2. Fill-ins (low value/low effort) โ€“ this describes features that can be completed during periods of low activity between other project tasks.
  3. Quick wins (high value/low effort) โ€“ these tasks should be prioritized to build momentum and boost team morale.
  4. Big projects (high value/high effort) โ€“ or valuable features that are complex and resource-intensive. These often long-term projects must be backed by detailed plans.

Lastly, the value/effort matrix must be revisited periodically. Information derived from customer feedback, analytics, and A/B testing should be fed back into the matrix to reassess each feature.

Key takeaways:

  • The value/effort matrix is a feature prioritization model used in product development.
  • The value/effort matrix helps product managers make structured and confident feature prioritization decisions. This ensures the product backlog does not become overwhelmed with low-value initiatives.
  • The value/effort matrix evaluates features on a matrix consisting of four quadrants: time sinks, fill-ins, quick wins, and big projects. The evaluation process should be repeated periodically as new insights come to hand.

Key Highlights:

  • Value/Effort Matrix Concept: The value/effort matrix is a tool used for prioritizing features in product development. It helps product managers make informed decisions about what features to prioritize on their product roadmap.
  • Balancing Value and Effort: Effective prioritization involves balancing the value a feature brings to the product or business with the effort required to implement it. Striking this balance ensures that resources are allocated efficiently.
  • Matrix Structure:
    • The matrix is a 2×2 grid with “Effort” on the x-axis and “Value” on the y-axis.
    • “Effort” represents the level of resources needed to complete a task, while “Value” indicates the business or product value the feature will provide.
  • Scoring System:
    • A scoring system is established for both “Value” and “Effort,” typically on a scale of 1 to 20.
    • Each feature is assigned a score for value and effort based on the defined scoring system.
  • Quadrants:
    • Based on their value and effort scores, features are plotted into four quadrants on the matrix:
      • Time Sinks (low value/high effort): Tasks that should be left for later or abandoned.
      • Fill-ins (low value/low effort): Features that can be completed during periods of low activity.
      • Quick Wins (high value/low effort): Prioritized to build momentum and enhance morale.
      • Big Projects (high value/high effort): Valuable but complex and resource-intensive, requiring detailed planning.
  • Iterative Process:
    • The matrix is a dynamic tool that should be revisited periodically.
    • Customer feedback, analytics, and A/B testing data should be incorporated into the matrix to reassess the value and effort of each feature.
  • Benefits:
    • The value/effort matrix provides a structured approach to prioritizing features.
    • It prevents the product backlog from being cluttered with low-value initiatives.
    • It guides product managers in making informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation.
  • Key Takeaways:
    • The value/effort matrix balances the value of a feature with the effort required to implement it.
    • Features are categorized into quadrants based on value and effort scores: time sinks, fill-ins, quick wins, and big projects.
    • Regular updates to the matrix based on new insights ensure ongoing effective prioritization.

Read Next: SWOT AnalysisPersonal SWOT AnalysisTOWS MatrixPESTEL AnalysisPorterโ€™s Five ForcesTOWS MatrixSOAR Analysis.

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