Value Effort Matrix

Backgrounder Back in 2011 MindManager added an Analytic View Add-in whereby you had a number of options for creating nodes against 2 dimensions. These nodes then sync with a pre-defined icon from the 2x2 matrix into your main mindmap as a hierarchy. It's still available as a plug-in today but has never been improved; you are stuck with adding items into a small window that can't be expanded or even printed... The Value Effort Matrix So many moons ago I decided to take advantage of MindManager "SmartRules" (introduced in 2018) to bring this capability up to date, taking advantage of the main window that can be zoomed to any size. The use case here I created is Value/Effort in a 2x2 matrix with the nodes dynamically being tagged with suggestions on how to handle the added backlog nodes for use in a requirements discovery session. The Value dimension refers to the benefits, outcomes, or impact a task, project, or initiative can deliver. In product management, this could mean improving customer satisfaction, driving revenue, or solving a critical user problem. In personal productivity, it may represent progress toward long-term goals or significant time savings. The Effort dimension measures how much work, time, or resources are required to complete the task. This includes team bandwidth, budget, technical complexity, and potential risks. For product managers, effort might involve development hours, cross-team coordination, or testing requirements. Tips: 1. Identify Time Wasters to prevent wasted effort and resource drain 2. Strategic Projects likely require careful planning as such transformations often involve multiple stakeholders and cross-functional collaboration. 3. Handle Fill-Ins during low-peak periods or with ongoing maintenance. 4. Prioritise Quick Wins at the start of a project or sprint About this Mindmap: To remove the Legend and other objects select the Index Task Pane, select Elements and under Objects unlock t