What needs to be finished first
The problem to solve is clearly formulated and has at least three independent variable dimensions.
What needs to be ready before start
Table (spreadsheet or Miro board) with one row per dimension and multiple columns for value options; pens; markers for selected combinations; timer.
One facilitator who sharply defines dimensions and guides combinations; two to eight participants with domain and solution knowledge; one scribe for concept shortlist.
Problem statement as one sentence; known existing solutions for inspiration and scope boundaries; hard constraints (budget, regulation, technology); definition of what counts as "interesting" for later selection.
1-3 h
Prepare table, write problem statement at the top. Fill one initial dimension as an example so the format is understood. State rule: dimensions first, then options, then combinations.
The one question this method answers
Which novel solution combinations emerge when all relevant dimensions of the problem are systematically cross-combined?
Marker: Phase
| Step | Duration | Action | Hint |
|---|---|---|---|
1Phase 1: Define dimensions | 20-30 min | Collect 4-7 dimensions together that characterize the problem independently (for example target group, trigger, format, monetization model, channel). Resolve redundancies until each dimension is orthogonal to the others. | If two dimensions define each other (for example channel and device), they are not independent. Merge or split them. |
2Phase 2: Collect options | 30-45 min | Create 4-8 options per dimension. Allow even unusual alternatives. Avoid a generic "misc" entry per dimension and use concrete examples instead. | If a dimension has fewer than three options, it is either too narrow or a binary decision that does not belong in the matrix. |
3Phase 3: Form combinations | 30-45 min | Generate 10-20 combinations randomly or via guided choice, each with one option per dimension. Write a short concept sentence for each combination. | The concept sentence must be understandable without re-reading the table. Even if the concept sounds absurd, note it first—reframing in Phase 4 can rescue it. |
4Phase 4: Filter and shortlist | 20-30 min | Evaluate each concept for plausibility, feasibility, and novelty (for example with three symbols). Remove implausible ideas and develop 3-5 concepts for shortlist. | Strictly separate "not feasible" from "unusual." The latter is often exactly what the method is for. |
What comes out at the end
Morphological matrix as table plus separate document with concept statements, evaluation, and shortlist; shortlist includes concept name, combined options, rationale, and next step.
One entry per iteration with date and problem framing. If dimensions or options change, do not overwrite old matrix; create a v2 and document delta.
Compact working template for Morphological Analysis with dimensions, combinations, and concept shortlist.
Combine different solution dimensions in a structured way to explore new concepts.
Which problem space or design challenge should the group structure?
Owner, date, and success signal.
Concrete filled scenario, fictional example
Concrete filled scenario, fictional example
Problem: Which coaching format best fits solo tax advisors like Sabine, who balance client work and acquisition?
Dimensions and options:
| Dimension | Options |
|---|---|
| Format | 1:1, group of 3, peer learning, self-study |
| Rhythm | 15 min daily, 60 min weekly, 4 h monthly |
| Channel | Audio, video, text chat, onsite |
| Pricing | subscription, pay-per-session, revenue share, free plus tools |
Concept 7 (Shortlist): Peer learning + daily 15 min + audio + subscription. "Three solo tax advisors form an audio learning group, listen to each other's questions and answers daily for 15 min, and pay 29 EUR/month." Owner: @anna, smoke test by 30.05.
Recognize symptoms and steer against them
Some combinations are logically impossible because two dimensions define each other.
Re-cut or remove dimensions. For each dimension, check whether each option can combine with every option from every other dimension.
Table has 8+ dimensions, combination count explodes, no concept is elaborated.
Limit to max 6 dimensions. Anything that does not fit in the matrix becomes a constraint or assumption in the header.
Participants discard concepts in Phase 3 with "that does not work" before fully articulating them.
Apply a rule to discard only in Phase 4. In Phase 3, every combination is written as a sentence.
Instead of a readable sentence, only "audio + daily + subscription" is written in a column.
Require each concept to be a full sentence with actor and benefit. Otherwise later no one can understand what it meant.
Workshop ends with 5 exciting concepts, but no one takes follow-up ownership.
Do not end Phase 4 before each shortlist concept has a named owner and next step with date.
Done signals checkable in under a minute
Go to the profile for purpose, similar methods, and sources or continue to the next method in the catalog.