Make every result actionable
Write options as choices you can act on immediately. “Cook noodles,” “order tacos,” and “make sandwiches” are clearer than “food,” “something quick,” and “maybe go out.” If the wheel lands on an option and you still need another decision to understand it, the label is probably too broad.
Keep options at the same level
Avoid mixing categories with specific choices. A list containing “watch a movie,” “comedy,” and “Theater A” compares three different kinds of things. Decide whether the wheel is choosing an activity, a genre, or a venue, then keep every entry at that level.
Remove hidden duplicates
“Pizza,” “order pizza,” and “the pizza place” may represent the same outcome. On an equal wheel, three similar entries give that outcome three separate chances. Merge overlapping labels unless the extra probability is intentional and visible.
Exclude unacceptable outcomes
A random result should be safe to accept. Do not add an option only to reject it whenever it appears. If budget, time, accessibility, consent, or safety makes an option unrealistic, remove it before the spin instead of repeatedly spinning around it.
Use weights only for a reason
The Custom Wheel gives every active entry an equal chance. If “take a walk” should be more likely than “buy concert tickets” because of budget or frequency, decide whether the expensive option belongs on the list at all. If unequal chances genuinely represent the rule, move the list to the Weighted Wheel and show the percentages.
Keep the list readable
Short labels are easier to see on a spinning wheel. Put the important distinction first and remove filler words. For a long brainstorming list, combine similar ideas or run the wheel in stages: choose a category first, then choose a specific option within it.
A quick quality test
- Would you understand every label without extra context?
- Are any two entries effectively the same choice?
- Is every option feasible now?
- Would accepting any result be safe and reasonable?
- Can everyone affected by the result agree to the rule?