Evaluate a tool

1. 01

   List what the software must do

   1. Write the user need and the requirements that would change your choice.
   2. Separate essential requirements from preferences, then agree their importance with the decision-maker.
   3. In Claude, paste the prompt below with this step’s source material, then send it. Review the answer before carrying it forward.

   Prepare your prompt

   Add your details, then copy the prepared prompt into the tool. This helper combines your text with the task instructions.

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   Turn this software need into a short decision checklist. Separate essential requirements from preferences. Suggest measurable acceptance checks and flag missing constraints. Do not select a product yet.
   
   Requested output format:
   Requirement | Candidate | Evidence | Limitation

   Open Claude (opens in a new tab)

   Start with

   Problem plus constraints.

   You’ll have

   Prioritised criteria.

   CheckEssential requirements are separated from preferences.

   Claude’s file guide (opens in a new tab) · Checked 2026-11-11

2. 02

   Make a shortlist

   1. Choose a manageable set of candidates that could meet the need.
   2. Record why each candidate is included. Do not treat popularity as proof that it fits.
   3. In Claude, paste the prompt below with this step’s source material, then send it. Review the answer before carrying it forward.

   Prepare your prompt

   Add your details, then copy the prepared prompt into the tool. This helper combines your text with the task instructions.

   Source material for this step

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   Create a bounded shortlist from the supplied candidates and agreed requirements. Explain the reason for including each. Mark unsupported product capabilities Unknown; do not rank by popularity or commercial relationships.
   
   Requested output format:
   Requirement | Candidate | Evidence | Limitation

   Open Claude (opens in a new tab)

   Start with

   Criteria plus known options.

   You’ll have

   Shortlist.

   CheckEvery shortlisted candidate has a reason for inclusion.

   Claude’s file guide (opens in a new tab) · Checked 2026-11-11

3. 03

   Check the evidence for each candidate

   1. Open current official product and plan information for each important requirement.
   2. Record the link, date and relevant evidence. Mark missing or unclear support as “Unknown”.

   Open Claude (opens in a new tab)

   Start with

   Shortlist.

   You’ll have

   Evidence by candidate and criterion.

   CheckEach important claim has current evidence or is marked Unknown.

   Official instructions (opens in a new tab) · Checked 2026-10-28

4. 04

   Compare one requirement at a time

   1. Create a table with requirements as rows and candidates as columns.
   2. Fill each cell with the supporting evidence, a limitation or “Unknown”. Keep pricing separate from suitability.
   3. In ChatGPT, paste the prompt below with this step’s source material, then send it. Review the answer before carrying it forward.

   Prepare your prompt

   Add your details, then copy the prepared prompt into the tool. This helper combines your text with the task instructions.

   Source material for this step

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   Compare these candidates against the agreed requirements using only the supplied evidence. Use the same rows for each candidate. Put Unknown in unsupported cells and retain the source references. Keep price separate from task suitability.
   
   Requested output format:
   Requirement | Candidate | Evidence | Limitation

   Open ChatGPT (opens in a new tab)

   Start with

   Criteria plus evidence.

   You’ll have

   Comparison matrix.

   CheckThe comparison uses the same criteria for every candidate.

   ChatGPT’s official guide (opens in a new tab) · Checked 2026-11-11

5. 05

   Explain the trade-offs

   1. Use the agreed requirements to describe which candidate fits best and why.
   2. List the compromises, missing evidence and conditions that could change the recommendation.
   3. In ChatGPT, paste the prompt below with this step’s source material, then send it. Review the answer before carrying it forward.

   Prepare your prompt

   Add your details, then copy the prepared prompt into the tool. This helper combines your text with the task instructions.

   Source material for this step

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   Explain the trade-offs in this checked comparison. Identify the best fit against the agreed criteria, the compromises and what missing evidence could change the recommendation. Do not treat Unknown as a pass.
   
   Requested output format:
   Requirement | Candidate | Evidence | Limitation

   Open ChatGPT (opens in a new tab)

   Start with

   Comparison matrix.

   You’ll have

   Recommendation rationale.

   CheckThe proposed choice follows the criteria and explains compromises.

   ChatGPT’s official guide (opens in a new tab) · Checked 2026-11-11

6. 06

   Choose a small validation task

   1. Pick a trial, demo or review that tests the most important uncertainty.
   2. Define what would count as a useful result before spending money or using sensitive information.

   Start with

   Recommendation.

   You’ll have

   Validation step.

   CheckThe trial has a small task and a clear pass condition.
7. 07

   Write the recommendation

   1. Summarise the need, comparison, proposed choice and trade-offs in one document.
   2. Include the evidence, unresolved questions and proposed validation step. Ask the decision-maker to review it before committing.
   3. In Claude, paste the prompt below with this step’s source material, then send it. Review the answer before carrying it forward.

   Prepare your prompt

   Add your details, then copy the prepared prompt into the tool. This helper combines your text with the task instructions.

   Source material for this step

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   Draft an internal software recommendation from this reviewed comparison. Include the need, criteria, evidence, proposed choice, trade-offs, unknowns and next validation step. Do not claim that a purchase or trial has been approved.
   
   Requested output format:
   Requirement | Candidate | Evidence | Limitation

   Open Claude (opens in a new tab)

   Start with

   All prior outputs.

   You’ll have

   Final recommendation.

   CheckThe recommendation includes evidence, gaps and a proposed next decision.

   Claude’s file guide (opens in a new tab) · Checked 2026-11-11

0 of 7 step checks complete. The decision-maker can see why the preferred option fits, what remains uncertain and what should happen before commitment.