CSD Matrix Template - Free Audio Method 15 Questions

How to Use the CSD Matrix Template to Clarify Your Decision-Making? Answer 15 Key Questions to Guide Your Choices

The CSD Matrix Template could help decision-makers categorize and assess different elements of a problem, situation, or decision into three areas: Certain, Supposition, and Doubtful. This structured Template brings clarity, reduces ambiguity, and helps prioritize actions based on the level of certainty. Whether you're planning a strategy, assessing risks, or making an important decision, the CSD Matrix Template allows you to focus on what’s most important, while acknowledging areas that require more information or exploration.

This matrix Template is ideal for both individuals and teams who need to separate facts from assumptions and uncertainties, helping to streamline complex decision-making processes. By filling in the matrix, you’ll be able to identify what’s fully understood, what assumptions you’re working with, and where there are gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed.

CSD Matrix Template. 15 Key Questions to Categorize , Assess Problems, Increase Clarity and Reduces Ambiguity

Category	Description	Guiding Questions
Certain: What Do We Know for Sure?	The "Certain" section is where you list the facts that are absolutely known and verified. These are elements that are supported by data, evidence, or experience. Knowing what is certain gives a solid foundation to build upon and helps in grounding the decision-making process. It also allows you to identify areas where no further action or verification is needed because the information is already reliable.	What facts or data do we have that are beyond doubt? What elements of the problem are universally agreed upon? What are the key aspects we can move forward with, knowing they are fully understood? Are there industry standards, best practices, or rules that apply here? How can we leverage what is certain to build momentum in decision-making?
Supposition: What Are We Assuming?	The "Supposition" section covers assumptions—things you believe to be true but haven’t yet verified. Assumptions can be based on past experiences, educated guesses, or reasonable inferences, but they aren’t facts. This category helps identify where decisions may be influenced by untested ideas or beliefs. It’s important to acknowledge these assumptions so that you can decide whether to validate them or proceed with caution.	What assumptions are we making that need to be confirmed? What past experiences or patterns are influencing our thinking here? Are there any gaps in data that we are filling with assumptions? How can we test or validate these assumptions before moving forward? What would happen if our assumptions turned out to be incorrect?
Doubtful: What Are We Unsure About?	The "Doubtful" section is for areas where there is uncertainty or lack of clarity. These are aspects of the decision that need further exploration, research, or clarification before moving forward. Identifying doubtful areas is critical to understanding where risks might lie and where more information is needed. By highlighting uncertainties, you can prioritize which doubts to address and how to mitigate risks.	What aspects of the situation are unclear or require more information? Where are we most uncertain, and how critical are these uncertainties to the decision? What research, data collection, or investigation is needed to clarify these doubts? How can we mitigate the risks associated with these uncertainties? What impact would these doubts have on the final decision if left unresolved?

The CSD Matrix Template is a powerful tool for untangling complexity in decision-making by separating what is known from what is assumed and uncertain. It fosters transparency and collaboration, as it encourages teams to openly discuss and challenge assumptions while addressing any areas of doubt before making a final decision.

By using the guiding Template questions in each category, you can ensure that you have thoroughly analyzed each aspect of the problem or decision. This helps to avoid making critical mistakes based on assumptions or leaving risks unmanaged due to unaddressed doubts.