Decision making must address both quantitative (hard) and qualitative (soft) criteria.

An important part of a decision process is the use of criteria to evaluate options. There is a tendency to focus on the measurable quantifiable data, like cost, weight or schedule when trying to decide among options.

Equally important are opinions, feelings, and desires. These represent our knowledge and intuition, not just our calculations, and must be included in any true consensus process. Consensus Technology ensures that the qualitative criteria are dealt with at the same level as the quantitative. Part of the Consensus Technology Method™ involves, examining the proposed solutions using only the qualitative criteria as this will give a senses of the comfort level of the group with the decision.