Triage. The Scoring Engine
How to evaluate ideas systematically and assign outcomes
By the end of this module
The Scoring Model
(strategic × 0.30) + (market × 0.25) + (feasibility × 0.25) + (alignment × 0.20) → 0-100Score Interpretation
Purpose
Triage is where raw ideas get evaluated. Instead of deciding by gut feel, you run every idea through the same 16-criterion scoring model. The output is a score (0-100) and an outcome label that determines what happens next.
The goal isn't to be perfectly precise, it's to be consistently systematic.
Triage Outcomes
| Outcome | Meaning |
|---|---|
| --------- | --------- |
| BUILD_NOW | High priority, start immediately |
| EXPLORE_ACTIVELY | Worth investigating this week |
| EXPLORE_LATER | Good idea, not now |
| PARK | Shelve without prejudice |
| ARCHIVE | Not worth pursuing right now |
| KILL | Definitively not doing this |
| EXCITING_BUT_DISTRACTING | Good but off-strategy |
| STRATEGICALLY_STRONG_RESOURCE_HEAVY | Right direction, wrong time |
| COMPOUNDING_ASSET | Worth keeping around, convert to vault asset |
| MAINTENANCE_TRAP | Will drain ongoing capacity |
Where Triage Fits in the Work Hierarchy
Foundry has six layers of work: Mission → Strategic Priority → Project → Initiative → Opportunity → Commitment.
Triage operates at the Opportunity layer (Layer 5). A CLASSIFIED idea with a triage outcome is an evaluated opportunity, not yet a project, not yet committed work. It's a bet that has been sized.
Critical rule: A BUILD_NOW outcome does not automatically create a project. The outcome is advisory. You must explicitly promote an idea to a project. This is intentional, triage tells you the opportunity is strong, but only you can decide whether you have the capacity and focus to pursue it now.
Common Mistakes
Skipping the notes field. The notes field on the score panel captures the "why" behind your scores. Future you will thank current you.
Not assigning an outcome. Scoring without assigning an outcome leaves the idea in IN_TRIAGE indefinitely. Always complete the cycle.
Treating BUILD_NOW as automatic. A high score is advisory. Before promoting an idea to a project, check your capacity on the Focus page.
Practice Checkpoints
Sign in to track your progress and mark checkpoints complete.
Next in Foundations Path
Projects. The Organizing Unit
How projects structure your work and relate to everything else