Section 4b — Making Solution Hypotheses
The Prioritization Matrix
When you have multiple ideas to choose from, a prioritization matrix can help you make a more structured decision.
A simple version looks like this:
| Idea | Solves root problem? (1–5) | Feasible to test? (1–5) | People want it? (1–5) | Total | |------|---------------------------|--------------------------|----------------------|-------| | Idea A | 4 | 3 | 5 | 12 | | Idea B | 3 | 5 | 3 | 11 | | Idea C | 5 | 2 | 4 | 11 |
The idea with the highest total score is usually the best starting point. But this is just a tool — use your judgment too. Sometimes a lower-scoring idea is more exciting or more aligned with your skills.
Criteria Explained
Solves root problem (1–5): How directly does this idea address the underlying cause of the problem (as you identified in 5W1H)? A score of 5 means it directly targets the root cause. A score of 1 means it's more of a band-aid solution.
Feasible to test (1–5): How realistic is it to test this idea with limited time, money, and resources? A score of 5 means you could test it this week with no money. A score of 1 means it would require significant investment before you could learn anything.
People want it (1–5): Based on your research in Module 2, how likely is it that your target group actually wants this solution? A score of 5 means multiple people you talked to specifically asked for something like this. A score of 1 means you're guessing.
Moving Forward
Once you've selected your top ideas using the matrix (or your own judgment), you're ready to write your hypotheses.
In the next lesson, we'll look at exactly how to write a strong hypothesis using the If-Then format.