The primary goal of the morphological matrix (similar to the morphological box) is to obtain a comprehensive overview of the problem and to gain a corresponding insight. Thus, the method is also suitable for challenges with high complexity.
In principle, the morphological matrix also consists of parameters and characteristics. However, the main difference to the representation in the morphological box is that the expressions are inserted either in the header or pre-column of the matrix. Consequently, the solutions are not represented by a polyline, but always exist in a concrete field, namely the one in which the parameters and expressions meet.
This approach offers the following advantages for finding solutions to problems:
– The known solutions can be entered in advance.
– Solutions that have no relevance or do not make sense are excluded.
– Empty fields for which no solutions are yet known come clearly to the fore and can thus be processed with higher priority.
Due to these advantages, the Morphological Matrix is not only suitable for finding solutions, but also helps in the process of problem solving by showing more clearly in which direction the focus of the search should be directed within a company.
It is advisable to gather especially subject matter experts in building the matrix. This also results in a recommended separation of the conception phase from the work-through phase, since people from outside the field should also participate in the work-through. The processing of a matrix can therefore also take several weeks and should be carried out accordingly in specialist groups. Therefore, however, it can be considered a very powerful and complete tool and brings the security of overlooking no to few elements of the problem area.
