decision-support

A decision matrix weights criteria and scores each option to resolve architectural paralysis. Define your alternatives (e.g., microservices vs. monolith), assign criteria with weights reflecting priority, score each option against those criteria, then compare total scores to identify the strongest choice backed by data.

Trade-off analysis compares strengths and risks across options systematically. List criteria like performance, maintainability, and cost; score each alternative; visualize comparisons to see where each option excels or fails; then generate rationale documents that justify your final selection.

An ADR documents the rationale behind a technical decision. This skill generates ADRs from weighted matrix analysis, capturing the decision context, alternatives considered, criteria, scores, and chosen option with justification—creating an audit trail for future maintainers.

Decision matrices apply to architectural, technical, and process decisions equally. Whether choosing databases, API designs, or tooling stacks, the same weighted-matrix and trade-off methodology resolves paralysis and produces documented recommendations across any decision category.

Provide decision context (what you're deciding), a list of alternatives to evaluate, relevant criteria for comparison, and weights reflecting how much each criterion matters. The skill then scores options, analyzes trade-offs, and surfaces the data-backed recommendation with ADR documentation.