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

Pick family: Consulting exhibit first.

Insert objects:

Assemble:

  1. Label both axes (X and Y)
  2. Four cells with short implications
  3. Mark start cell as recommended
  4. No color-coding as a third axis

Anti-patterns