methodatlas
Session Builder

Plan my session

Plan a concrete work block with agenda, roles, preparation, and a copyable result artifact.

Method session30-90 minWorkshop or asyncDecision Tree

Session: Decision Tree

The plan translates the method into a concrete facilitated work block. Your inputs flow directly into the session brief and work artifact.

Derived automatically

Method session with 1-6. The plan uses the existing method logic and the runsheet.

Runsheet
Participation logic
Team round, shared work and alignment

Use the session for shared understanding. Contributions are collected visibly, assumptions are aligned, and open differences remain traceable in the artifact.

Outcome logic
Finish artifact

The session works directly toward Decision Tree. After the session, the artifact should be shareable, reviewable, or reusable.

  1. 1

    Set root question

    10 min

    Formulate the decision question and scope as the root of the tree. Hint: If the root contains multiple questions, the tree becomes unreadable.

    FacilitatorDecision Tree
  2. 2

    Branch options

    15-20 min

    Add primary options or decision paths as first branches. Hint: Options should be mutually exclusive or clearly combinable.

    FacilitatorOption Map
  3. 3

    Add conditions

    20-30 min

    For each branch, add relevant conditions, risks, probabilities, and follow-up decisions. Hint: Only include conditions that materially change the decision.

    FacilitatorAssumption List
  4. 4

    Evaluate outcomes

    15-25 min

    Describe endpoints with benefit, cost, risk, or expected consequence. Hint: Always mark source or assumption for numbers. Avoid pseudo-precision.

    FacilitatorDecision Tree
  5. 5

    Select path

    10-15 min

    Identify robust paths, mark open assumptions, and define next evidence steps. Hint: The tree supports decision making, but it does not replace the decider's authority.

    OwnerOption Map
  6. 6

    Publish artifact

    10 min

    Check the artifact for completeness, define location, set version or status, and name review recipients.

    OwnerDecision Tree
Usable artifact

Session Brief

For invitations, boards, tickets, PR descriptions, or workshop notes.

session-brief.md

Session Brief: Decision Tree

Goal

Artifact: Decision Tree

Working Question

Which option or rule emerges when conditions, consequences, and uncertainties are explicitly branched?

Context

Starting question, options, decision criteria, known risks, probability data, and non-negotiable constraints.

Setup

  • Format: Method session
  • Duration: 30-90 min
  • Mode: Workshop or async
  • Participants: Facilitator or decision owner; 1-6 subject experts; decider for final interpretation; scribe for the tree.
  • Owner: Facilitator or decision owner
  • Participation mode: Team round, shared work and alignment
  • Outcome logic: Finish artifact

Participation Logic

Use the session for shared understanding. Contributions are collected visibly, assumptions are aligned, and open differences remain traceable in the artifact.

Outcome Logic

The session works directly toward Decision Tree. After the session, the artifact should be shareable, reviewable, or reusable.

Input

Whiteboard or diagram tool; decision question; known options; criteria, conditions, probabilities, or outcomes; markers for assumptions.

Preparation

Start with one single decision question. Draw tree left to right. Phrase each branch as a question or condition.

Agenda

  1. Set root question (10 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Formulate the decision question and scope as the root of the tree. Hint: If the root contains multiple questions, the tree becomes unreadable. Output: Decision Tree

  2. Branch options (15-20 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Add primary options or decision paths as first branches. Hint: Options should be mutually exclusive or clearly combinable. Output: Option Map

  3. Add conditions (20-30 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: For each branch, add relevant conditions, risks, probabilities, and follow-up decisions. Hint: Only include conditions that materially change the decision. Output: Assumption List

  4. Evaluate outcomes (15-25 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Describe endpoints with benefit, cost, risk, or expected consequence. Hint: Always mark source or assumption for numbers. Avoid pseudo-precision. Output: Decision Tree

  5. Select path (10-15 min) Owner: Owner Action: Identify robust paths, mark open assumptions, and define next evidence steps. Hint: The tree supports decision making, but it does not replace the decider's authority. Output: Option Map

  6. Publish artifact (10 min) Owner: Owner Action: Check the artifact for completeness, define location, set version or status, and name review recipients. Output: Decision Tree

Closeout

  • Update result artifact: Decision Tree
  • Define location, version, and review recipients.
  • Define owner, next step, and review date.
Usable artifact

Work artifact

Pre-filled starting point based on the matching template.

work-artifact.md

Decision Tree: Decision Tree

Working Question

Which option or rule emerges when conditions, consequences, and uncertainties are explicitly branched?

Context

Starting question, options, decision criteria, known risks, probability data, and non-negotiable constraints.

Participants

  • Owner: Facilitator or decision owner
  • Participants: Facilitator or decision owner; 1-6 subject experts; decider for final interpretation; scribe for the tree.

Input

Whiteboard or diagram tool; decision question; known options; criteria, conditions, probabilities, or outcomes; markers for assumptions.

Template

Decision Tree Working Template

Goal

Map options, conditions, and outcomes so the decision becomes explicit.

Context

When and for what do we use this method?

Input

Which data, observations, decisions, or materials are available?

Working area

  • Decision question:
  • Options:
  • Conditions:
  • Branches and outcomes:
  • Risks and probabilities:

Output artifacts

  • Decision tree:
  • Option map:
  • Assumption list:

Open questions

  • ...

Next step

Owner, date, and success signal.

Completion Check

  • Decision Tree is complete enough for review:
  • Location:
  • Version / status:
  • Review by:
  • Next step:

Next Step

  • Review result
  • Mark open questions
  • Schedule review or decision
Template base

Decision Tree Working Template

View templateCompact working template for Decision Tree with decision question, branches, outcomes, and recommendation.
canvas

decision-tree-working-template.md

Compact working template for Decision Tree with decision question, branches, outcomes, and recommendation.

Decision Tree Working Template

Goal

Map options, conditions, and outcomes so the decision becomes explicit.

Context

When and for what do we use this method?

Input

Which data, observations, decisions, or materials are available?

Working area

  • Decision question:
  • Options:
  • Conditions:
  • Branches and outcomes:
  • Risks and probabilities:

Output artifacts

  • Decision tree:
  • Option map:
  • Assumption list:

Open questions

  • ...

Next step

Owner, date, and success signal.

Ready to use when
  • Working question, owner, and target artifact are visible.
  • The result fits Decision Tree.
  • Save tree with date and assumptions. If conditions or probabilities change, create new version with change note.
  • Open questions are noted as follow-ups.
  • The next review or decision point is scheduled.
ProfileRunsheet