|
Morphological
charts
Provide a structured approach
to concept generation to widen the area of search for solutions
to a defined design problem. Can help the team generate a
complete range of alternative design solutions for a product
through a systematic analysis of the form/configuration that a
product or machine might take.
Description
A morphological chart is a visual way to capture the necessary
product functionality and explore alternative means and
combinations of achieving that functionality. For each element of
product function, there may be a number of possible solutions.
The chart enables these solutions to be expressed and provides a
structure for considering alternative combinations. This can
enable the early consideration of the product 'architecture'
through the generation and consideration of different
combinations of 'sub-solutions' that have not previously been
identified. Used appropriately, it can help to encourage a user
driven approach to the generation of potential solution.
Method
Unique and professional website templates. Vooweb - Website Templates offers a great variety of Website templates for business and personal use | If there has been no improvement since the beginning of your relationship with your SEO company, they need to explain why. Then you have a great seo Company working for you. If you don't want to do it yourself, an SEO company being paid monthly should detail exactly what they are doing for you. | Any link exchanges promising hundreds or links immediately upon joining should be avoided unless the only search engine you care about is MSN. Using a link exchange as the only way you get links will also not be a path you want to wander down. Exchanging links with every site under the sun is also bad. List product functions
List the features (or functions) that are essential to
the product. The list should not be too long, but should
encompass the major product functions, at a appropriate
level of generalisation. Ideally, there should be no more
than 10. It can be useful to list functions according to
a predetermined order - most important, position in
structure, energy flow, information flow. Care should be
taken to list functions and not components - e.g.
'warning indicator' rather than 'bell'. Always ask 'what
function is this component fulfilling?' Each function
should be mutually exclusive. Possible functions for a
mobile phone could include: holding, storage, dialing,
display, power supply, signal reception, signal
processing, sound output, sound input etc.
List the possible 'means' for each
function
For each function, list the 'means' or possible solutions
by which it might be achieved. Think about new ideas, as
well as known solutions or components and where possible
ideas should be expressed visually as well as in words.
Any important characteristics of the solutions should be
recorded. Try to maintain the same level of generality
for each possible solution - for example, it may be
beneficial to consider different power sources or perhaps
it may be more relevant to just investigate different
battery options. Possible means of achieving 'holding'
for a mobile phone could be a stopwatch-type grip,
attached to clothing, watch style, gun grip etc.
Chart functions and means &
explore combinations
Draw up a chart containing all possible sub-solutions.
This is the 'morphological chart' which should represent
the total 'solution space' for the product - made up of
combinations of sub-solutions. Try wherever possible to
express all options visually. It is now possible to
identify feasible combinations of sub-solutions. The
total number of combinations may be very large, so they
may need to be limited to the most feasible or attractive
options. Name each viable combination as a potential
solution for further evaluation later. An example is
shown below.
Notes
Generating a morphological chart can be tedious and may result in
a lot of solutions which may not be relevant or practical.
Attention should be paid to both the soft and hard aspects of the
design mix, but it can be difficult to include 'stylistic'
options.
Back to index of tools
and techniques
Home | GDP Program | Design
maturity | Effective
product design | Tools and
techniques | Contact | Links
|  |
