Antonio Vizcaíno, DMM & Co-Founder
Apr 4, 2023
What is a morphological chart?
A morphological chart is a tool used in engineering and design to systematically explore and define the different possible combinations of features and parameters that could be used in a product or system. It is also known as a morphological matrix or a solution space matrix. The chart is made up of a table with multiple rows and columns, where each row represents a specific feature or parameter, and each column represents a potential option or solution for that feature.
The purpose of a morphological chart is to identify all possible combinations of features and parameters, which can help the design team to understand the trade-offs and implications of different design choices, and to select the most promising solution.
5 Steps to generate a morphological chart
Define the problem and the scope of the design project: Before starting to generate the morphological chart, it is important to clearly define the problem that needs to be solved, and the boundaries of the design project. This will help to ensure that the chart includes all relevant features and parameters.
Identify the key features and parameters: The next step is to identify the key features and parameters that are relevant to the design project. These may include things like size, shape, material, functionality, performance, and cost.
Generate a list of potential options for each feature: For each feature or parameter, a list of potential options should be generated. This can be done by brainstorming, research, or consultation with experts. The list should be as comprehensive as possible, including both conventional and unconventional options.
Create the morphological chart: The morphological chart is created by combining all the potential options for each feature into a matrix. Each row of the matrix represents a specific feature, and each column represents a potential option for that feature. The chart can be created using a spreadsheet program or by drawing it by hand.
Evaluate and refine the chart: Once the chart is complete, it is important to evaluate it and refine it as necessary. This may involve eliminating options that are not feasible or desirable, adding new options, or modifying the chart structure.
4 Functions that can be used to generate and analyze a morphological chart:
Pareto’s analysis: This is a method for prioritizing the different combinations of features and parameters based on their impact on the overall performance of the system. The Pareto analysis can help the design team to identify the most critical design choices and to focus their efforts on those areas.
Cost-benefit analysis: This is a method for comparing the costs and benefits of different design options. The cost-benefit analysis can help the design team to select the most cost-effective solution that meets the desired performance criteria.
Decision trees: This is a method for mapping out the different possible outcomes of a decision based on different scenarios and assumptions. The decision trees can help the design team to understand the risks and uncertainties associated with different design choices.
Design of experiments (DOE): This is a method for systematically testing and evaluating different combinations of features and parameters. The DOE can help the design team to identify the optimal solution based on statistical analysis of the experimental results.
A morphological chart is a powerful tool for exploring and defining the different possible combinations of features and parameters that could be used in a product or system. The chart can be generated by following a systematic process, and can be analyzed using various methods and functions to identify the most promising design solution. By using a morphological chart, the design team can make informed decisions and create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the user and the requirements of the project.
How to create a morphological chart and examples
To further elaborate on the generation process of a morphological chart, it is important to understand the different types of parameters and features that can be included in the chart. These can be categorized as follows:
Functional parameters: These include the functions that the system or product must perform. For example, if designing a car, the functional parameters would include the ability to accelerate, brake, turn, and provide comfort to passengers.
Performance parameters: These include the quantitative measures of the system’s performance. For example, in the case of the car design, performance parameters would include top speed, acceleration time, fuel efficiency, and braking distance.
Design parameters: These include the physical characteristics of the system, such as size, shape, weight, and materials.
Cost parameters: These include the costs associated with the design, production, and maintenance of the system.
Once these parameters have been identified, the design team can generate a list of potential options for each parameter. For example, for the design parameter of size, potential options could include small, medium, or large. Similarly, for the performance parameter of fuel efficiency, potential options could include hybrid, electric, or gasoline.
The morphological chart is then created by combining all the potential options for each parameter into a matrix. For example, a simple morphological chart for a car design might include the following parameters:
Function: Acceleration, braking, turning, comfort
Performance: Top speed, acceleration time, fuel efficiency, braking distance
Design: Size, shape, weight, materials
Cost: Production cost, maintenance cost, price to the consumer
For each parameter, a list of potential options is generated, such as:
Function: Acceleration – turbo, V6, V8, hybrid; Braking – disc, drum, ABS; Turning – power steering, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive; Comfort – leather seats, climate control, entertainment system
Performance: Top speed – 100 mph, 120 mph, 140 mph; Acceleration time – 0-60 in 6 seconds, 0-60 in 8 seconds, 0-60 in 10 seconds; Fuel efficiency – hybrid, electric, gasoline; Braking distance – 100 feet, 120 feet, 140 feet
Design: Size – small, medium, large; Shape – sedan, coupe, SUV; Weight – lightweight, mid-weight, heavy-weight; Materials – steel, aluminum, carbon fiber
Cost: Production cost – low, medium, high; Maintenance cost – low, medium, high; Price to the consumer – economy, mid-range, luxury
The resulting morphological chart would be a matrix with multiple rows and columns, where each row represents a specific parameter, and each column represents a potential option for that parameter. The design team can then evaluate the different combinations of options to identify the most promising solution.
In conclusion
It is important to note that the generation of a morphological chart can be time-consuming and complex, especially for larger and more complex design projects. However, the benefits of using a morphological chart, such as the ability to identify all possible design options and to make informed decisions based on quantitative analysis, make it a valuable tool in the design process.
As you can see, to perform a morphological analysis you will need a template and if you don’t want to do it yourself, here is our morphological chart for you to use and share it with whoever you want. Download here.
