Evaluate a Project Idea

Identify ideas to pursue further using a value heatmap

A Value Heatmap helps a team evaluate generated project or use-case ideas based on two preferred criteria, such as business value and complexity or effort to build it. This exercise makes it easier to visualize which ideas are worth pursuing further.

GOAL

Evaluate a project idea via heatmap visualization

PARTICIPANTS

Department leads from business and IT, strategic decision makers

TIME NEEDED

30 - 45 minutes

PHASE

Explore

Before You Start

Collect Innovation Opportunities
It can be particularly useful to evaluate and prioritize use-case ideas based on value and effort. In this case, a previous session is required to identify a list of possible use-case ideas. See the method:

Collect Innovation Opportunities

Materials You Will Need

Resources for Download

Download All Resources

Templates for Virtual Collaboration

(Registration to MURAL is required)

Steps

Evaluating your project ideas includes several steps. We recommend completing them in one session.
  • 5 - 10 minutes

Collect Top-Voted Ideas

As a team, collect your top voted project or use-case ideas and write them on sticky notes.

  • 5 minutes

Select Two Criteria to Define the Axes

Choose one criteria for each axis. Choose criteria that make sense for the customer and situation. For example, we suggest “Business value” vs. “Effort, or “Value for employee” vs. “Costs”, etc.

You can change the criteria on the axes and run more than one evaluation round for the same ideas.

  • 10 - 15 minutes

Place Ideas on Heatmap

Have the team select one project or use-case idea at a time, evaluate it against the two axes, and then place it on the heatmap.

  • 10 - 15 minutes

Discuss and Decide Which Ideas to Focus On

Discuss and decide which ideas to focus on, based on their placement on the map.

See Completed Example

Select those ideas with high value and short realization time to ensure a positive feedback from sponsors. This excitement will help you plan and conduct further innovation projects following the same approach.

You're Done!

Now that you have selected a project idea to focus on, you can keep the shortlisted ideas as part of an innovation roadmap and try to find sponsors and budget for the ideas which require more budget and time.