jordangaston Binstack
A decision framework that replaces weighted rubrics with binary materiality checks against stack-ranked priorities.
Core Concepts
Binary materiality -- either an option materially moves the needle on an attribute, or it doesn't. No 1-5 scales. Material means measurably significant: "10% revenue bump," not "slight improvement."
Stack-ranked attributes -- rank what matters most, in order. No numerical weights. Just a priority list.
Process
1. Identify Options
List the options under consideration.
2. Build the Priority Stack
Produce a priority-ordered list of attributes relevant to the decision. Be specific -- "20% decrease in cancellations" beats "improve retention." Tailor the stack to current circumstances.
Example stacks:
- Growth-stage: revenue growth > customer growth > product experience > support cost > infra cost > profit
- Bootstrapped: cash profit > product experience > fun > customer growth > headcount minimization
- Hiring: skill fit > culture add > availability > salary fit
3. Define Materiality Thresholds
For each attribute, set a concrete bar for what counts as material impact. Examples: "at least 10% revenue increase," "cuts support tickets by 40%," "saves 5 hours/week." If quantification is impossible, articulate a clear qualitative bar.
4. Evaluate (Top-Down Elimination)
Work through the stack from the top priority down:
- For the highest-priority attribute, mark each option as MATERIAL or NOT MATERIAL.
- Eliminate options that are NOT MATERIAL.
- If one option remains, it wins.
- If multiple remain, move to the next attribute and repeat.
- If no attribute distinguishes the survivors, they are genuinely equivalent -- pick whichever is most fun or energizing (this drives better execution).
5. State the Decision
Present the winner and the reasoning chain:
Winner: Option X
- Materially addresses [Priority 1]: [evidence]
- Survived over Option Y, which failed [Priority 1]
- Survived over Option Z, which failed [Priority 2]
Include a "why not" for each eliminated option.
Caveats
- Effort is excluded. Binstack maximizes impact, not ROI. If cost matters, add it as an attribute in the stack.
- No viable options. If nothing meets materiality thresholds, the problem is idea generation, not prioritization.
- Evolving priorities. The stack should change as circumstances shift.