Description Long

The word "morphology" comes from the Greek word "morphe", and deals with shapes and patterns. Morphological analysis is a proven idea-generation technique for producing "organised" inventions. In the morphological box, a problem is divided into its essential components. For each of these components, various characteristics are defined and arranged in a matrix. New solutions can then be created by combining different elements. The purpose of this method is to reorganise information in a practical and relevant way; this reorganisation helps to understand problems and stimulates new ways of thinking. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to apply this method. However, it is important to have sufficient basic knowledge of the nature of the problem to develop an effective morphological box.

Illustration

Preparation

• Define the problem to be explored. This will then serve as the heading in the morphological box.
• If conditions and characteristics are not determined during the workshop, they should be prepared in advance.
• Online: Ensure that there are suitable and sufficient images of tables where possible combinations to be explored are clearly visible. These could be PDFs with Excel tables or photographs of drawings.

Execution

1. Explain which problem will be addressed in the workshop. This will serve as the heading for the participants in the morphological box.
2. The framework conditions are defined and entered in the first column of the matrix. No more than seven conditions should be selected. They should be as independent as possible and applicable to all potential solutions. This is a crucial step that can be supported by mind mapping.
3. Assign characteristics to each condition and write them to the right of the corresponding criterion in the matrix. If the matrix becomes too complex, it can be divided into smaller matrices.
4. Participants should identify combinations. Every possible combination of individual characteristics results in a solution, which can be seen through the lines of the matrix.
5. Evaluate the possibilities and choose a solution. The options can be presented and analysed in a plenary session. An evaluation can also take place in the next phase.

Hints from experience

• Five to ten conditions and characteristics are sufficient. These can also be prepared by the facilitator before the workshop.

Tools list

• Flipchart or Whiteboard
• Paper and pencil

References

Backerra, H., Malorny, C., & Schwarz, W. (2002). Kreativitätswerkzeuge - Kreativ Prozesse anstossen, Innovationen fördern [Creativity Techniques - Triggering Creative Processes, Encouraging Innovations], Munich and Vienna, p. 80.

Schawel, C., & Billing, F. (2014). Morphologischer Kasten. In C. Schawel & F. Billing, Top 100 Management Tools (1st ed.). Gabler Verlag.

Swemorph.com. Swedish Morphological Society. Retrieved 30 July 2015, from http://www.swemorph.com/index.html