2×2 matrix

Place work on two axes so the starting cell is obvious.

consulting-exhibit

Related: Comparison (2–3 options)

When to use

Use when two independent axes explain the portfolio. Do not use when you actually have a ranked list of three options (use comparison).

Guidelines

Name both axes on the board. One cell is the start. Do not 3D-tilt the matrix.

Example

Where to start Harbor

Start where volume is high and process is already standard.

Standard · low volumeWait — Wave 3 docks
Standard · high volumeWave 1: Midwest DC
Custom · low volumeDo not Harbor these
Custom · high volumeWave 2 after playbook exists

Axes: process standard vs outbound volume

Axes on the source line; Wave 1 cell highlighted. Steal axis names, not a magic-quadrant parody.

Rules

  1. Exactly two axes; both labeled.
  2. Four cells, each with a short implication.
  3. One cell is marked recommended or “start.”
  4. No third axis via color coding of every cell.

User recipe

Goal: pick where to start.

Inputs: axis X, axis Y, items in cells, the start cell.

Constraints: 2×2 matrix Rules.

Prompt skeleton: “Make a 2x2 matrix slide in family consulting-exhibit using the 2×2 matrix rules. X: [axis]. Y: [axis]. Start cell: [name].”

Anti-patterns