one-three-one-rule

A 1-3-1 decision brief structures technical proposals by providing one problem statement, three options with pros and cons, and one recommendation. It applies to architecture decisions, tool selections, and refactoring strategies to ensure clear trade-off analysis.

Generate a structured trade-off analysis by framing one problem, comparing three options with pros and cons, and delivering one recommendation. This provides a practical implementation plan and defined success criteria for architecture decisions and refactoring strategies.

Use a structured decision-making process for tool selection when facing multiple technical approaches. A 1-3-1 brief delivers a concrete recommendation, implementation plan, and defined success criteria to compare options and choose the best path.

Present migration path options using a 1-3-1 brief that defines the problem, compares three options with pros and cons, and provides one recommendation with a Definition of Done and actionable implementation steps for the chosen path.

Structured decision-making works for refactoring strategies by applying the 1-3-1 format to frame the problem, evaluate three options with trade-offs, and deliver a concrete recommendation with an implementation plan and defined success criteria.