version: "1.0.1" name: rice-impact-matrix description: "Score features using RICE and plot against strategic alignment for nuanced prioritisation. Use when asked to prioritise features, build a priority matrix, combine quantitative scoring with strategic fit, or decide what to build next with multiple competing initiatives. Produces a scored priority matrix with RICE scores, strategic alignment ratings, quadrant placement, and sequencing recommendations."

RICE + Strategic Alignment Skill

Produce a prioritisation output that balances quantitative RICE scoring with qualitative strategic fit — because the highest RICE score isn't always the right next bet.

Required Inputs

Ask the user for these if not provided:

• List of initiatives or features to prioritise (names and brief descriptions)
• Current strategic priorities or OKRs (needed to rate strategic alignment)
• Reach estimates (users affected per quarter — even rough estimates work)
• Effort estimates (person-months — from engineering if available)
• Quarter or planning period

Two-Stage Process

Stage 1: RICE Scoring

• Reach: Users affected per quarter
• Impact: 3/2/1/0.5/0.25 scale
• Confidence: 100% / 80% / 50%
• Effort: Person-months
• RICE = (R × I × C) / E

Stage 2: Strategic Alignment Score

Rate each initiative against your current strategic priorities (provided as input):

• Directly supports top OKR: +3
• Supports secondary OKR: +2
• Neutral: +1
• Contradicts strategic direction: -1

Final Priority Score

Combined Score = RICE Score + (Strategic Alignment × 10)

Validate — Flag any initiative where RICE score and strategic alignment conflict sharply (e.g., high RICE, low alignment). These require an explicit team conversation before sequencing.

Output Structure

Priority Matrix — [Quarter]

Quadrant Definitions

• Now: High RICE + High Strategic Alignment → Build this quarter
• Next: High RICE + Lower Alignment → Queue for next quarter
• Later: Lower RICE + High Alignment → Revisit when capacity allows
• Drop: Low RICE + Low Alignment → Remove from backlog

Recommendations

[Top 5 initiatives with rationale for sequencing]

Quality Checks

• [ ] All RICE components have an estimate (even if low confidence — flag those)
• [ ] Strategic alignment is rated against specific OKRs, not general "feels strategic"
• [ ] Conflicts between RICE rank and strategic alignment are explicitly flagged
• [ ] "Drop" recommendations are specific — not just "low priority, deprioritise"
• [ ] Confidence levels on estimates are noted where weak (drives the 50% confidence flag)