In spite of the fact that we have so many different prioritization processes, if we look at all of them condescendingly we can classify them into three substantial categories.

1. Comparing
2. Scoring
3. Grouping

I will only briefly mention them and then introduce my approach to using this system.

Comparing Methods

In all these methods, items are sorted by maximum benefit versus minimum cost with the only difference between them being how benefit and cost are defined. As an example, in some cases, cost entails money and time, whereas, in others, complexity and urgency are factors.

Usually, two-by-two charts are used to visualize the items to build preliminary judgments on small portions of items. However, with the lengthy list of features and tasks, it is messy, misleading, and ineffective.

Scoring Methods

This type of framework aims to make the items quantitative. Although these techniques appear to be more accurate and reliable when executed correctly, there are some difficulties associated with them.

1. It is extremely time-consuming, especially for a lot and complex items.
2. It is hard to get it right and precise.
3. It is more likely to dismiss the dependencies.

Let’s take a look at these:

Grouping Methods

As part of this approach, it is important to classify relational and dependable items into the same group and make choices about them.

As a result, this method makes a good result in team meetings and is excellent for taking large and forward-looking decisions.

The best result is possible by doing all these methods in these steps.

1st, try grouping methods to sort items, features, ideas and etc into the top-level group and discuss each group individually and in a coalition.

discuss them through business vision, mission, and strategy over time

2nd step is to narrow down this top level to sub-groups and try the last steps on this group.

At this moment, don’t be scared to go back and change your decisions and rearrange the groups. It’s an iterative framework.

3rd step is to analyze every item using any of comparing methods that you are more familiar with to discuss the cost and advantage of every item.

This step is more likely to use in a meeting similar to the sprint planning meeting to overview each item and clear mind about them.

4th and the last step is to dive into each item and more clear and precise about time, money, complexity, effort, etc.

Since these 4 steps, we limited items to prioritize and small groups and consider the dependencies now we just can use the scoring method easy peasy in a reasonable time.