PromptivityCompare options with a decision matrix
The problem
You have to choose between options and the AI's “just tell me” answer would hide its assumptions.
Recommended approach
Use a general assistant to organize your options against criteria YOU choose, flag missing evidence and test what would change the result. Do the final arithmetic in a spreadsheet and make the decision yourself.
Try this now
- List options and criteria. You choose the criteria (and weights, if any).
- Give the facts. Paste verified facts for each option; mark assumptions.
- Ask for a matrix. Use the example request below.
- Test sensitivity. Ask what changes if a weight or fact changes.
- Decide and check. Put scores in a spreadsheet, check the facts, and decide yourself.
What you should get: An editable matrix, a missing-information list, and the conditions under which the answer would change.
Options: [A, B, C]. My criteria and weights: [cost 30%, quality 40%, speed 30%]. Facts (verified): <paste>. Assumptions: <paste>. Build a comparison table. Mark missing information. Don't add criteria or facts. Then tell me what change in facts or weights would change the top option.
Check the result
- Criteria and weights are yours, not invented
- Every fact is verified at its source
- Arithmetic is redone in a spreadsheet
- You can explain the decision without the AI
Which tool to use
Use what you already have first. These options are not ranked.
Free option
Use one general assistant you already have (free tiers often enough)
Best when: You have no AI at work, or only a personal account
If you already have it
Use the AI built into your work apps
Best when: You have Microsoft 365 Copilot or Google Workspace with Gemini at work
Tools: Microsoft 365 Copilot Business, Google Workspace with Gemini
More options: plans, costs and subscriptions
Moderate: documented workflow fit; no independent head-to-head testing of these tools for this job. Prices come from each tool's record, with the date checked; always confirm on the vendor's page.
Free / already-owned option
Use one general assistant you already have (free tiers often enough)
- Best when
- You have no AI at work, or only a personal account
- Tools
- ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
- Why it fits
- Organizing evidence and asking “what would change this?” is well within general assistants' documented abilities.
- Subscription
- Not required: free tiers can be sufficient; usage limits vary by plan.
- Cost (from tool records)
- ChatGPT: Free; Go $8/month U.S.; Plus $20/month. (reported, not re-checked 2026-10-21 · source)
Claude: Free; Pro $20/month billed monthly ($17/month with annual billing); Max from $100/month (U.S.). (verified 2026-10-21 · source)
Gemini: Free access plus Google AI Plus $9.99 and Pro $19.99/month U.S. (reported, not re-checked 2026-10-21 · source)
If you already have it
Use the AI built into your work apps
- Best when
- You have Microsoft 365 Copilot or Google Workspace with Gemini at work
- Tools
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Business, Google Workspace with Gemini
- Why it fits
- Handy if the option documents are already in your work files.
- Subscription
- Only if your organization already licenses it. Don't buy it for this job alone.
- Cost (from tool records)
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Business: Promotional $18/user/month annual commitment; regular $21 shown at verification. (reported, not re-checked 2026-10-21 · source)
Google Workspace with Gemini: Workspace business pricing varies by plan; official page lists AI integrated across Workspace. (reported, not re-checked 2026-10-21 · source)
Assumptions
- You can use at least one general AI assistant (many have free tiers), or your employer already provides one.
- You are allowed to put this material into that tool. Check your workplace policy first.
Why this approach
Why it fits
- Keeps judgment with you, where the research says it belongs.
- No special software: an assistant plus an ordinary spreadsheet.
- Sensitivity questions show how fragile a “winner” is.
When not to use it
- The decision is legal, medical or financial advice territory.
- You don't have verified facts about the options yet. Research first.
How we know
| Claim | Evidence | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promptivity's own research synthesis (Research 1) lists this among its 10 launch use cases, drawing on published survey, behavioural and experimental studies of workplace AI use. Internal prioritization by Promptivity, not an independent evaluation and not a performance result. | Promptivity research synthesis | Source | 2026-10-21 |
| An experiment with 758 consultants found AI helped on tasks inside its capability but made results worse on a task outside it. Structure and human judgment matter. Dell'Acqua et al., 2023, as summarized in Research 1. | Outside evaluation | Source | 2026-10-21 |
| Which tools fit, and on which plans, comes from Research 2: vendor documentation plus Promptivity editorial judgement. Its rankings are editorial, not measured. No product was hands-on tested. | Editorial | Source | 2026-10-21 |
What we don't know yet
- No evidence that dedicated decision software beats an assistant plus spreadsheet.
Evidence types: Vendor-documented (the vendor's own help pages) · Outside evaluation (independent published study) · Promptivity research synthesis (our own compilation of published studies) · Editorial (our judgement) · Unknown. Nothing on this page was hands-on tested by Promptivity. Revisit if credible independent testing shows one tool is materially better for beginners, or if a listed tool changes access or price.
How this guide was prepared
This guide is based on published sources. We have not independently tested this workflow hands-on.
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