Writing a Clear Decision Brief
Define boundaries, options, and evidence so participants can provide useful input within a limited window.
Start with a decision sentence
Use "We need to decide whether or how..." Split independent choices into separate pages.
Give necessary context
Explain why the choice matters now and what delay would affect. Link detailed research instead of copying it all.
Set success conditions
List three to five outcomes to protect. Distinguish firm constraints, such as a regulatory deadline, from preferences, such as visual style.
Present real options
Describe benefits, risks, costs, and reversibility for each. Include taking no action for now.
Assign input
Engineering, design, sales, and support can examine different risks. Direct questions to the people best placed to answer.
Completion check
Before publishing, confirm the decision maker, input deadline, and review conditions. These turn a discussion into an actionable decision process.