Choosing the right framework

The library has 100+ frameworks. Picking by browsing is slow. Use this three-question shortcut instead.

1. What kind of work is this?

Frameworks live in five buckets:

• Triage — sorting what you already have (Eisenhower, MoSCoW, Pareto)
• Prioritization — ranking options (RICE, ICE, Weighted decision matrix)
• Decision — choosing between alternatives (Pros/Cons, Decision tree, Cost-benefit)
• Strategy — figuring out what to be doing (SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, JTBD)
• Diagnosis — understanding what's happening (5 Whys, OODA, First principles)

Naming the bucket cuts 80 frameworks from your search.

2. How reversible is the decision?

• Easily reversible → use a lightweight tool (Pros/Cons, ICE). Don't overthink it.
• Hard to reverse → use SWOT or Five Forces, plus a Premortem.
• Strategically defining → multi-framework approach: map with SWOT, stress-test with Premortem, decide with a matrix, commit with OKRs.

3. Do other people need to see the result?

If yes, prefer frameworks that produce a one-page visual: SWOT, RICE, Eisenhower, Lean Canvas. Skip ones that work in conversation but not on paper.

Just want a starting point?

Try one of the free tools — no sign-up needed. SWOT for strategy, Eisenhower for triage, Pros/Cons for everyday choices.

If you'd rather have AI suggest the framework that fits your specific situation, sign up free and drop your thought into the New Canvas flow — we'll recommend one.