# Compare options and get a recommendation: checklist

Read each option, pick the factors that matter for your decision, compare them in one table, drop the factors where the options tie, and get a recommendation that also argues the runner-up's case.

## Before you start

- [ ] Have ready: The options
  Paste what you know about each option. Give each one a name and put a blank line between options.
- [ ] Have ready: What you are deciding and for whom
  Say what the choice is, who it is for, and what matters most to them.
- [ ] Have ready: Must-haves and limits (optional)
  List anything an option must meet to be allowed, such as a budget or a deadline. Leave empty if there are none.

## Step 1: Read each option

- [ ] List the facts stated about each option, and what is not stated.
- [ ] You have: For each option, a list of stated facts and a list of facts that are missing.
- [ ] Check: Every number in the answer also appears in the options.
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.

## Step 2: Build the comparison table

- [ ] Choose the factors that matter for this decision and compare every option on each.
- [ ] You have: A comparison table with a column for each option and a Difference column marked tie or differs.
- [ ] Check: Every row of the table has one of "tie" or "differs" in the Difference column.
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.

## Step 3: Drop the factors where options tie

- [ ] Remove the factors where the options are the same, so only the real differences are left.
- [ ] You have: A table of only the factors where the options differ, and a list of the ones dropped.
- [ ] Check: Every row of the table has one of "differs" in the Difference column.
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.

## Step 4: Recommend one option

- [ ] Recommend one option with reasons tied to the factors that differ, and say what you give up.
- [ ] You have: A recommendation with reasons, what is given up, and the runner-up.
- [ ] Check: The answer includes the words "Recommendation:".
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.

## Step 5: Argue the runner-up's case

- [ ] Make the best honest case for the runner-up, and say what would change the recommendation.
- [ ] You have: The runner-up's best case and the facts that could change the recommendation.
- [ ] Check: The answer includes the words "What would change my mind:".
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.

## Final checks

- [ ] Check: Every number in the answer also appears in the options.
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.
- [ ] Check: Read the reasons in the recommendation next to the factors table. Does every reason point to a factor that is in the table, with no reason that rests on something the options never said? Answer FAIL and name the reason if not.
  Checked by a second AI prompt. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.
- [ ] Check: Read the recommendation and the runner-up's case together. Is there a fact you know that the options text does not, such as how a vendor treated you before, that changes the answer?
  Checked by you. If not: Carry on, but write down the problem so whoever uses the result knows about it.

## You end up with

- [ ] A comparison table showing only the real differences.
- [ ] A recommendation with its reasons and what you give up.
- [ ] The runner-up's case, and the facts to find out before you decide.

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From Logic Lab (logiclabhq.com). Free to use and adapt, with credit.