Session Brief: Morphological Analysis

Goal

Artifact: Morphological Box

Working Question

Which novel solution combinations emerge when all relevant dimensions of the problem are systematically cross-combined?

Context

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.

Setup

• Format: Method session
• Duration: 1-3 h
• Mode: Workshop or async
• Participants: One facilitator who sharply defines dimensions and guides combinations; two to eight participants with domain and solution knowledge; one scribe for concept shortlist.
• Owner: One facilitator who sharply defines dimensions and guides combinations
• Participation mode: Team round, shared work and alignment
• Outcome logic: Finish artifact

Participation Logic

Use the session for shared understanding. Contributions are collected visibly, assumptions are aligned, and open differences remain traceable in the artifact.

Outcome Logic

The session works directly toward Morphological Box. After the session, the artifact should be shareable, reviewable, or reusable.

Input

Table (spreadsheet or Miro board) with one row per dimension and multiple columns for value options; pens; markers for selected combinations; timer.

Preparation

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.

Agenda

1. Phase 1: Define dimensions (20-30 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: 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. Hint: If two dimensions define each other (for example channel and device), they are not independent. Merge or split them. Output: Morphological Box

2. Phase 2: Collect options (30-45 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Create 4-8 options per dimension. Allow even unusual alternatives. Avoid a generic "misc" entry per dimension and use concrete examples instead. Hint: If a dimension has fewer than three options, it is either too narrow or a binary decision that does not belong in the matrix. Output: Concept Combinations

3. Phase 3: Form combinations (30-45 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Generate 10-20 combinations randomly or via guided choice, each with one option per dimension. Write a short concept sentence for each combination. Hint: 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. Output: Idea Shortlist

4. Phase 4: Filter and shortlist (20-30 min) Owner: Owner Action: Evaluate each concept for plausibility, feasibility, and novelty (for example with three symbols). Remove implausible ideas and develop 3-5 concepts for shortlist. Hint: Strictly separate "not feasible" from "unusual." The latter is often exactly what the method is for. Output: Morphological Box

5. Publish artifact (10 min) Owner: Owner Action: Check the artifact for completeness, define location, set version or status, and name review recipients. Output: Morphological Box

Closeout

• Update result artifact: Morphological Box
• Define location, version, and review recipients.
• Define owner, next step, and review date.

Morphological Box: Morphological Analysis

Working Question

Which novel solution combinations emerge when all relevant dimensions of the problem are systematically cross-combined?

Context

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.

Participants

• Owner: One facilitator who sharply defines dimensions and guides combinations
• Participants: One facilitator who sharply defines dimensions and guides combinations; two to eight participants with domain and solution knowledge; one scribe for concept shortlist.

Input

Table (spreadsheet or Miro board) with one row per dimension and multiple columns for value options; pens; markers for selected combinations; timer.

Template

Morphological Analysis Working Template

Goal

Combine different solution dimensions in a structured way to explore new concepts.

Context

Which problem space or design challenge should the group structure?

Input

• Problem statement:
• Dimensions:
• Known options:
• Constraints:

Working area

• Dimension 1 options:
• Dimension 2 options:
• Dimension 3 options:
• Combination matrix:
• Screening criteria:

Output artifacts

• Morphological box:
• Concept combinations:
• Concept shortlist:

Open questions

• ...

Decision / next step

Owner, date, and success signal.

Completion Check

• Morphological Box is complete enough for review:
• Location:
• Version / status:
• Review by:
• Next step:

Next Step

• Review result
• Mark open questions
• Schedule review or decision