The D.E.C.I.D.E. Decision Model

The D.E.C.I.D.E. model is a six-step decision-making framework originally created by K. L. Guo in 2008 for use in the medical industry. It is designed to make thinkers aware of the logical steps in a process to deliver better decisions, particularly in high-stakes situations. The framework is divided into three Design Activities and three Execution Activities.

The Design Activities

D = Define the problem, in terms of the desired outcomes:

This step focuses on establishing a clear objective. Focusing on the *design of desired outcomes* is often more effective than focusing solely on precise problem definitions, which can be refined through later iterations.

E = Establish the criteria which will measure a successful outcome:

This involves defining the specific metrics that will be used to judge whether a decision has worked. Agreeing on these measures early makes the eventual execution more focused.

C = Create alternative routes to the outcome:

This is a divergent activity where both adaptive and innovative creativity are used to generate the maximum number of feasible paths toward the objective.

The Execution Activities

I = Identify the best alternative:

This is a reductive and convergent activity where the evaluation criteria established in the second step are used to test and select the most viable option. For complex decisions, this step can be “nested,” requiring its own DECIDE analysis for sub-decisions.

D = Develop a plan of action and Do it:

This step involves the practical planning and performance of the chosen alternative. Like the identification phase, planning complex actions can involve a series of smaller, nested decision processes.

E = Evaluate and monitor the solution and feedback on the outcomes:

Frequently forgotten in major decisions, this final step involves measuring if the process is actually delivering the intended results. This feedback loop supports future decisions or the choice to abandon a solution that is not working.