Impact and feasibility scale

The Impact and feasibility scale is a participatory activity designed to evaluate proposals or ideas based on their potential impact and ease of implementation (feasibility). Using a visual framework, participants position proposals on a matrix to prioritize those with the greatest benefit and feasibility, facilitating informed and strategic decision-making.

Preparation

1. Define the objective: Identify the topic or context for applying the scale (e.g., community projects, innovative ideas, internal policies).
2. Gather proposals: Collect the ideas to be evaluated, ensuring they are clearly defined and understandable for all participants.
3. Prepare materials:
   • Draw a matrix on large paper, a whiteboard, or a digital tool with two axes:
     • Impact (from low to high).
     • Feasibility (from difficult to easy).
   • Prepare cards or sticky notes for each proposal.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Introduction to the activity
   • Explain the purpose and how the matrix helps prioritize proposals.
   • Define key concepts:
     • Impact: The level of benefit or positive change the proposal generates.
     • Feasibility: The ease of implementation, considering resources, time, and capacities.
2. Presentation of proposals
   • Read and briefly discuss each proposal with the group to ensure everyone understands them.
   • Distribute the cards or sticky notes with the proposals written on them.
3. Collaborative construction of the matrix
   • Invite participants to position each proposal on the matrix based on their perception of its impact and feasibility.
   • Facilitate dialogue to reach consensus on the placement of proposals in cases of disagreement.
4. Analysis of results
   • Observe and reflect with the group on the distribution of the proposals:
     • Which proposals fall into the high-impact and high-feasibility quadrant?
     • What should be done with proposals of low impact or low feasibility?
   • Classify proposals by priority:
     • High priority: High impact and high feasibility.
     • Strategic challenges: High impact but low feasibility.
     • Quick actions: Low impact but high feasibility.
5. Define actions
   • Design strategies to implement the high-priority proposals.
   • Discuss ways to overcome feasibility barriers for high-impact proposals.
6. Closure and documentation
   • Summarize key conclusions and prioritize next steps.
   • Document the results of the matrix and the proposed strategies.

Purpose

The purpose of the Impact and feasibility scale is to collaboratively and strategically prioritize proposals based on a structured analysis that combines potential benefits and ease of implementation. This tool promotes informed decision-making and focuses on high-value, feasible actions.

Required materials

• Large paper or whiteboards to draw the matrix
• Colored markers
• Cards or sticky notes for the proposals

Platforms

• Questiory
• Google Forms
• Mentimeter
• Flourish
• Datawrapper
• Infogram

Practical recommendations

• Clarity in criteria: Ensure all participants understand what impact and feasibility mean in the specific context.
• Active facilitation: Mediate in cases of disagreement and encourage dialogue to reach consensus.
• Documentation: Save photos or screenshots of the final result for future reference.
• Adaptability: If there are many proposals, pre-select a representative set.