Morphological analysis (problem-solving)

Morphological analysis is a creative heuristic method to fully grasp complex problem areas and to consider all possible solutions without prejudice.

It takes place in a group of up to seven people, thus expanding the potential of knowledge and ideas. The execution is controlled by a moderator and lasts about a half to two hours.

Together with the analysis of the problem is a generalization of the question suitable. This one extends the problem area with the aim to find original solutions. Morphological analysis makes use of the morphological box, the vivid image of a multi-dimensional matrix.

Morphological box ( Zwicky box)

The morphological box is a systematic heuristic creativity technique astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky after the Swiss ( 1898-1974 ). The multidimensional matrix forms the core of the morphological analysis.

Method

  • Systematic: for example, by applying the multi-factor method, while the number of features and characteristics is limited.
  • Intuitive: the investigating considers the matrix and selects each row an expression. The resulting polyline is then holistically considered as an alternative solution.

For example, lie in front of three features, so you can see the three characteristics as the axes of a box - that is a three-dimensional matrix - think. On each axis one thinks further, the respective characteristics of the feature. A combination of three forms then provides a point inside the box.

This can be from three to as many ( n ) generalize features, thus obtaining n-dimensional boxes. However, it seems sensible to choose only five to ten characteristics and manifestations, as the many possible solutions are practically unmanageable otherwise.

To limit the number of solutions, one has the possibility to reduce the number of features by increasing their level of complexity to perform ( through higher-level concepts, for example ) or a weighting of the features and characteristics.

Example

A new table is to be developed

Idea: no legs, glass, 100 cm, approximately: The table floats - is hung from the ceiling, for example.

Experiences

For complex problems, it is advantageous to work in a group to promote the diversity of the solutions. When searching for occurrences of the developed features can often be the use of another group be advantageous, which does not know the original task. This can avoid mental barriers and produce original solutions.

Problems can arise when drafting the essential characteristics and the definition of the characteristics and their characteristics. Another problem is the rating for a very large number of solutions. When it comes to selection decision, it often happens that for large groups are inefficient.

Alternatives

Preparatory techniques for the production of ideas are:

  • RPG
  • Utopia game
  • Pro and contra game

More special problem-solving techniques are:

  • Brainstorming
  • Method 635
  • Collective Notebook (CNB )
  • Synectics
  • Associogram
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