How to use the Opportunity Matrix
Overview
This guide walks you through using the Opportunity Matrix to compare and prioritize opportunities in TheyDo. For a general introduction to what the matrix is and how it works, see [What is the Opportunity Matrix?]
Before you start
Opportunities need prioritization scores before the matrix is useful. The three input scores to fill in are:
- Effort
- Customer Value
- Business Value
Value is computed automatically from Customer Value and Business Value (50/50 weighted by default) — you don't need to fill it in manually.
Steps
1. Filter to a relevant subset
The matrix works best when you're comparing a focused set of opportunities. Two ways to do this:
- Go to Opportunities in the building block library and apply filters — for example, by journey, team, or domain.
- Open a specific journey, go to its Opportunities tab, and work from that set.
2. Score opportunities in the table view
In the table view, check that each opportunity has scores for Effort, Customer Value, and Business Value. Add any that are missing before switching views.
3. Switch to Matrix view
Use the view toggle to switch from the table to the Matrix view.
4. Start with Customer Value vs Business Value
The matrix defaults to Customer Value vs Business Value. This is a good starting point — it shows where total value lies before effort enters the picture, which helps avoid prematurely deprioritizing high-value opportunities.
5. Switch to Value vs Effort for the final decision
Use the axis dropdowns to change to Value vs Effort. This gives you a single value measure (the computed score) plotted against effort, making it easier to see where to focus. You can add an optional center line divider to split the view into sections if that helps your team read it more clearly.
Both axes are fully configurable — you can assign any available score to either axis, so feel free to explore combinations that match how your team thinks about prioritization.
Tips
- Score a subset, not everything. Always filter to a meaningful set first — one journey, one team, one domain.
- Use a two-pass approach. Give opportunities a rough score when they're created, then do a proper scoring session with the right stakeholders when you're ready to decide.
- Document your reasoning. Use the opportunity description or comments to record why you gave a score. This makes prioritization decisions defensible and prevents re-litigation later.