Decision matrix
Thu, Mar 18, 2027 · Week 9 · Biotechnology for Health (Biomedical Innovations)
Today's goal: Use a weighted decision matrix to choose among competing prototype design options.
What a finished product looks like
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Options for my medication-reminder prototype: A) standalone beeping pillbox, B) smartphone app, C) wall clock with alarm lights.
Criteria and weights (sum to 100 percent): Cost 25, Safety 20, Feasibility 25, Effectiveness 30.
Scoring scale: 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Weighted score = raw score times weight.
Weighted totals:
- Option A: (3x25)+(5x20)+(4x25)+(4x30) = 75+100+100+120 = 395
- Option B: (2x25)+(5x20)+(3x25)+(5x30) = 50+100+75+150 = 375
- Option C: (4x25)+(5x20)+(5x25)+(3x30) = 100+100+125+90 = 415
Justification: Option C (wall clock with alarm lights) wins with 415. The criterion that decided it was Feasibility: it is the easiest to build for an older user who does not use a smartphone, and it scored high on cost. Option B scored best on effectiveness but lost on feasibility because many target users do not own smartphones.
| Criterion (weight) | A pillbox | B app | C clock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (25) | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Safety (20) | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Feasibility (25) | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Effectiveness (30) | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Weighted total | 395 | 375 | 415 |
Also due today: Submit the matrix and justification in the course LMS by end of class.
WebXam problem for today's skill
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
| Criterion | Weight | Option score |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | 30 | 5 |
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.