Some questions can’t be solved with a simple yes or no answer, sometimes even the most trivial questions need a more complex matrix in order to be answered. That’s why we developed the 2 by 2 Matrix question type - so that complex decisions can be made easily.
For example, let’s take a look at the “Gartner Magic Quadrant”. The “Gartner Magic Quadrant” is a summary of specific market research, which provides an overview of a company’s market competitors relative positions. By using the Mentimeter 2 by 2 Question Type Tool and a set of predefined criteria, you can classify competitors based on the axes: Completeness of vision and ability to execute.
By using the Mentimeter 2 by 2 Matrix Question Type Tool you are able to classify competitors into 4 different quadrants:
"Leaders": Typically large, established businesses. With high scores on both axes.
"Challengers": Generally settled, large businesses that don’t worry too much about future plans or market changes. Ability to execute axis is high, but the completeness of vision axis is lower.
"Visionaries": Usually small companies or startups. With a low score on ability to execute, but high on completeness of vision.
"Niche players": Traditionally new players in the market. With low scores on both axes.
The 2 by 2 Matrix question type is an incredibly powerful tool for making complex decisions with multiple factors much, much more simple, just figure out the two key factors and juxtapose them against one another.
Below are 5 examples of how you could use 2 by 2 Matrix questions in Mentimeter:
1: Help make long-term strategic decisions using the BCG Matrix:
The Boston Consulting Group Matrix is one of the most recognized in the world. It has been helping guide companies on how they should invest in their different products. The key factors that are considered are market share and market growth, using these axes four quadrants are easily identifiable and are named as “Question Mark”, “Dog”, “Cash Cow”, and “Star”.
“Dogs” have low market growth and a low market share, they usually take more money in than they return, these are generally something that should be divested.
“Cash Cows” have low market growth, but a high market share, they make money without taking much investment, these are usually something that allows an organization to push their “Stars” to help them eventually become “Cash Cows”.
“Stars” have high market growth, high market share, they usually take money in and return the money, these should be invested in as they should eventually become “Cash Cows”.
“Question Marks” should be carefully considered, they have high market growth, low market share, and can absorb a lot of money, however, they have the opportunity to become “Stars” and eventually “Cash Cows”.
2: Decide which projects to focus on for the next quarter:
A simple question that may have a lot of differing answers. By opposing impact and effort you can very easily determine which projects or actions would yield high results with the least impact, at the same time, you can see which projects will be time-consuming in the future, allowing you to plan and prioritize more successfully.
Decide What to Focus On
3: Gain more insights into your companies competitive position in the market using the ADL Matrix:
The ADL matrix from Arthur D. Little is a method for managing business portfolios. By pitting an environmental assessment against a business strength assessment you can split the matrix into a four by five grid. The industry life cycle (Environmental assessment) is broken down into “Embryonic”, “Growth”, “Mature!, and “Aging”, whilst the competitive position (Business strength assessment) is broken down into: “Weak”, “Tenable”, “Favorable”, “Strong”, and “Dominant”. This is a great example of how having 2 simple factors can yield a high number of results, giving you the knowledge to consider the future of your business portfolio.
4: Compare skill levels and their usefulness:
Do you know where your team is in regards to the skills they have and how useful their skills are to the overall future of your project or organization? Using “Skill Level” and juxtaposing it with “Usefulness” you can quickly identify weaknesses and overabundances of skills within a team, giving you the information needed to decide whether to move people around, hire new people, seek external help, or change the project scope.
5: Create a simple example persona analysis to compare user stories:
You can use a 2 by 2 Matrix to analyze personas in a simplified DISC analysis. By comparing Orientation (Task vs. People) against Nature (Introverted vs. extroverted) you can very easily roughly define a persona using the DISC analysis:
D - Dominance - Results drive over all else.
I - Influence - All emphasis is on influencing others.
S - Steadiness - Cooperation, sincerity, and dependability above all else.
C - Conscientiousness - Emphasis on accuracy, expertise, competency, and quality.
Using a simplified DISC analysis in a 2 by 2 Matrix you could quickly compare user story examples, or even customer support case examples, giving you the ability to tailor training and learn from past examples.
These are just a few examples to give you some inspiration when using 2 by 2 Matrix questions in Mentimeter. For help on creating your own 2 by 2 Matrix questions check out this guide and start creating your own.
2 by 2 Matrix questions are just one of the many questions types that Mentimeter has to offer. Check out our help articles and blog posts for even more inspiration to make your presentations more interactive.
