Which tool is used to rank alternatives based on specific criteria?

The Decision Matrix is a tool specifically designed to help evaluate and rank multiple alternatives based on defined criteria. It serves a crucial role in systematic decision-making, especially in engineering and design contexts where various options must be compared objectively.

By listing alternatives and assigning scores based on how well each one meets specific criteria, the Decision Matrix allows users to visualize strengths and weaknesses of each option. This structured approach helps in making informed decisions, as it consolidates qualitative and quantitative data into a format that's easy to compare.

In contrast, a Flowchart illustrates processes or algorithms step-by-step but does not provide a comparative ranking of options. An Analysis Grid might assist in organizing data but lacks the specific framework for scoring alternatives. A Criteria List provides the factors to consider but does not rank alternatives, which is the primary function of the Decision Matrix. This distinction highlights why the Decision Matrix is the most appropriate tool for this evaluation purpose.