§6. Morphological analysis

Method of morphological analysis.

The term “morphology” (the study of form, gr. morphe - form and logos - study) was introduced in 1796 by Goethe, the founder of the morphology of organisms, the study of the form and structure of plants and animals. Subsequently, the morphology of humans, soils, etc. appeared. Traditionally, morphology in science is understood as the study of the composition and structure of a certain system.

Morphological analysis - This effective method solving system problems that require an original solution; is based on classification, which allows you to systematize the material, make it visual and accessible. This method identifies all possible elements on which the solution to a problem may depend, lists the possible values ​​of these elements, and then begins the process of generating alternatives by searching through all possible combinations of these values. Morphological analysis can be used to compile a list of all possible options for solving a problem, for comparison or selection of one of many possible solutions to technical, organizational and other problems.

The method was developed in the 1930s by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky, who worked in the USA in the mid-20th century. For the first time, morphological analysis was used to solve technical problems in 1942, when F. Zwicky began to develop rocket engines at Aerogemn Engineering Corporation. Using this method for a short time he managed to obtain a significant amount of original technical solutions in rocket science. Nowadays morphological analysis is widely used in various areas human activity. The development of the method formed a separate direction - the theory of solving inventive problems (TRIZ by G.S. Altshuller).

The essence of the method- identification of several morphological (typical, species, distinctive) features (parameters) that are significant for the problem being solved, and compilation of all possible combinations of these features. Then you should write out the morphological characteristics separately and write down information about them (embodiments) without connection with the object (product), i.e. apply morphological characteristics to other similar products. Analysis of the obtained options reveals combinations of them that may be missed during a normal search. Features can be arranged in the form of a table called a morphological box (matrix), which allows you to better imagine the search field for solving a problem, and quickly and accurately navigate the variety of concepts and factors. As a result of targeted and system analysis generated new information, which escapes attention during a simple enumeration of options. Modifications of the morphological method– matrix methods.

It should be noted that to carry out a morphological analysis, an accurate formulation of the problem for the system under consideration is necessary. As a result, the answer is given to more general question by searching for all possible variants of particular solutions, regardless of the fact that the original problem dealt with only one specific system.

Advantages of morphological analysis:

· equivalence of all elements of the analyzed object;

· maximum clarity in the formulation of the task;

· removing restrictions in the analysis of elements of the object under study;

· the opportunity to obtain new and/or develop existing ideas.

Disadvantage of the method- an abundance of options, from which it is difficult to choose the best. For objects having a large number of elements and many options, the table becomes cumbersome and the method becomes labor-intensive. In addition, morphological analysis does not allow us to determine whether all possible options have been considered.

Basic schemes of morphological analysis:

A method for identifying the supporting elements of the system under study and working with combinations of solution options;

Method of negation and construction. This method of morphological analysis is based on the replacement of formulated ideas with opposite ones and the analysis of inconsistencies;

Morphological box method (most suitable for large and complex objects). Consists of determining all possible parameters for solving a problem, forming a matrix and analyzing various combinations before choosing the best option combinations.

2.3. The synectics method is used to solve problems and find new ideas by using analogies and transferring problems to ready-made solutions that exist in various fields and areas. Synectics- This a combination of dissimilar and sometimes even incompatible elements in the process of setting and solving problems.

Synectics method appeared in the early 1950s as the result of many years of work William Gordon on improving the brainstorming method. Important distinctive feature of this method is that it is used to solve specific problems and is not aimed at using objective patterns of development of various systems. And a more or less prepared and permanent group of trained specialists should work on its application (despite this, a common person Having become familiar with the techniques of synectics, he will be able to adopt some techniques to solve some of his problems and tasks). In this sense, synectics is professional activity, and brainstorming is just a collective initiative. It is also worth noting that, unlike brainstorming, criticism is allowed in synectics. The main feature is the essence of the synectics method - the use of comparisons and analogies.

To more clearly explain the essence of this method, you can refer to the example of its application by the founder of synectics, William Gordon, who used it to create Pringles chips.

The Kellogg company (a well-known American manufacturer of breakfast cereals) was faced with an insoluble problem - how to make and package potato chips in order to reduce the volume of air filled into the package, while making it more compact and avoiding crumbling of the product. To solve this problem, William Gordon was brought in, who in 1961 wrote his famous book, “Synectics: Development creative imagination", and a little later he created a company - Synectics Inc., which teaches creative thinking and provides services for the development of innovative ideas (today the company's clients include such corporations as "IBM", " General Electric", "Zinger" and many others). As an analogy for creating new chips, Gordon chose the process of placing fallen leaves in a plastic bag. If the leaves placed in the bag are dry, certain difficulties arise - they break and fly away, but when the leaves are wet, they are soft and easily take the shape of the neighboring leaf. If you remove leaves after rain, you will need few garbage bags, because raw leaves leave much less air between them and are packed more compactly. This analogy gave rise to Pringles chips - molding and wetting dry potato flour solved the packaging problem.



To generate new ideas, a group of synectors is formed of 5-7 people who have undergone preliminary training. Synector- a person with a broad outlook, who, as a rule, has two specialties, for example, a mechanic doctor, a chemist-musician, etc. The process of forming a group of synectors includes three phases:

1. Selection of group members. Special tests are used, attention is paid to the presence of a variety of knowledge, general erudition, sufficient level of education, experience in experimental activities and flexibility of thinking. People are chosen as sinectors different professions and preferably with two incompatible specialties, for example, a physicist, an economist-engineer or a musician-chemist.

2. Training of synectors. In Russia, the synectics method has not taken root (its own educational and methodological developments are absent, and existing world experience is rarely ignored), however, in the West, both small companies, So large corporations They spend a lot of money on training their specialists in special institutions. For example, in the USA, the training of synectic groups lasts about a year and consists of full-time and correspondence sessions. The first ones are held in training centers, and then the trainees undergo internships in their companies, solving theoretical and practical problems.

3. The final phase is the introduction of the group into the real environment. A company that has sent its specialists for training or has ordered a ready-made team (this can be a one-time or regular collaboration) receives it under certain conditions to work on its own projects.

The history of the development of synectics shows that the application of creative thinking in enterprises and the use special units increases the likelihood of success in goal setting and problem solving, demonstrating synergies.

What are they? special conditions created to carry out the synectic procedure:

· Mandatory initial abstraction of participants from problems and tasks.

· Restraint of opinions and refusal to make final conclusions.

· Naturalness and ease in discussions, a predisposition to play out and simulate the situation.

· Manifestation of rationality in judgments. Rationality appears only at the final stage of the synectic procedure. Before this, images, metaphors and analogies are used.

When preparing synectors, they are taught to use the following four types of analogies in the process of searching for ideas:

1. Direct analogy- this is any similarity that has searchable elements in systems or objects that solve similar problems. A direct analogy is most often a natural or technical analogy. For example, a direct analogy for improving the methods of painting furniture would be the process of coloring film, paper, or considering the coloring of birds, flowers, or mineral stones. Bright example of the synectics method and the use of direct analogies can be considered the invention of Isambard Brunel - the caisson method of constructing underwater structures. The engineer was prompted to do this by observing a wood-boring worm that forms a tubular channel when drilling into wood.

2. Symbolic analogy allows you to express and define the essence of the problem using metaphors and various comparisons, and consists in detecting paradoxes and conflicts in familiar and understandable facts. This type of analogy is valuable tool to detect “the ordinary in the unusual” and vice versa - “the unusual in the ordinary.” Essentially, it consists of an unexpected definition of a subject (usually consisting of two words), showing it from an interesting and controversial side. This synectics analogy has proven itself well in many areas, including cinema and literature, for revealing the contradictory essence of the depicted phenomena or characters and reflecting it in the title: “The Living Dead”, “Dry Ice”, “Guilty Without Guilt”, etc. .

3. Subjective or personal analogy of synectics involves imagining oneself as an object being examined and improved (its part or detail). It requires the developer to be able to reincarnate, because in order to try on the functions of an object, to get used to the role of an inspiritual object, you need to have a vivid imagination. the main task personal analogy - allows us to consider such nuances of the problem being studied that cannot be seen and felt through simple reflection. At the same time, the analogies expressed can be absolutely ridiculous; the main thing here is to feel and notice new, previously unperceived facets and aspects that cannot be discerned using logical reasoning.

4. Fantastic analogy, like previous synectic analogies, requires synectors to have developed creative thinking and creative freedom. Participants imagine objects, objects and phenomena under consideration in isolation from existing physical laws and imagine them as they would like to see them, regardless of reality. Often, to solve a problem, defining final result, sinectors use a magic wand or other fairy-tale attribute. It can be assumed that science fiction writers, when writing their works, make full use of the method of synectics and, in particular, this type of analogy.

The fact that existing analogies completely cover the experience and thoughts of people will become more understandable if this classification is explained as follows: direct and fantastic are real and unreal analogies, and subjective and symbolic are physical and abstract. However, we are not talking about their fundamental nature, since the regular practice of using the synectics method gradually expands the range of tools and makes it possible to develop more and more new techniques for in-depth study and analysis of objects and phenomena.

The stages of the synectics method, starting from the moment the method was created, were constantly improved and modified. If we take the phases of the synectic process as they are described by W. Gordon in his book “Synectics: Development of Creative Imagination”, they look like this:

1. The problem as it is given. The peculiarity of this phase is that none (except the leader) of the participants in the synect session is privy to the specific conditions of the task and the required result. It is believed that early definition of the problem will not allow you to escape from the usual train of thought and will complicate abstraction. Here a problem, phenomenon or object is simply presented.

2. Transforming the unfamiliar into the familiar. Previously undiscovered elements are discovered - the problem is divided into several parts and turns from unfamiliar into a series of more ordinary problems.

3. The problem as it is understood. The problem is thought through and systematized as it is understood by the group members based on what happened at the previous stage.

4. Operational mechanisms. At this stage, there is a game with metaphors, analogies related to the problem are used and the problem, as understood, is revealed even more.

5. Make something unfamiliar out of something familiar. This allows us to consider a problem already understood and comprehended in new form, from a different point of view.

6. Psychological state. This phase implies a special state of mind to the problem as it is understood, there is reflection on it. All kinds of analogies are used.

7. Connecting with the problem. At this stage, the most appropriate analogy is compared with the problem as understood. The problem as understood is freed from its old rigid form.

8. Point of view. At this phase there is a transition from analogy to a specific solution, idea. Ideas are transferred to the problem “as it is given.”

9. Making the final decision and carrying out research work. An important element is a critical assessment of ideas by experts and bringing it to practice.

Currently, the stages of the synectics method are simplified and look more understandable. Although in reality this method is very difficult to use. If the owner large enterprise decides to use this method, he will somehow need to find experienced specialists who will train staff in all the features of synectics. An ordinary person can use analogies, which are an important tool of the synectics method, to solve creative problems.

2.4. Method A naliza And hierarchies (MAI) – mathematical tool systematic approach to solving decision-making problems. MAI does not prescribe any “correct” decision to the decision maker, but allows him to interactively find an option (alternative) that the best way is consistent with his understanding of the essence of the problem and the requirements for its solution. This method was developed by the American mathematician Thomas L. Saaty in the 1970s, who wrote books about it, developed software products and has been conducting ISAHP symposia for 20 years. International Symposium on Analytic Hierarchy Process). This method It is actively developed and widely used in practice by scientists around the world.

Analysis of the decision-making problem in the MAI begins with the construction of a hierarchical structure, which includes the goal, criteria, alternatives and other considered factors influencing the choice. This structure reflects the understanding of the decision maker problem. Each element of the hierarchy can represent different aspects of the problem being solved, and both material and intangible factors, measurable quantitative parameters and qualitative characteristics, objective data and subjective expert assessments can be taken into account. In other words, the analysis of the situation of choosing a decision in the MAI resembles the procedures and methods of argumentation that are used on an intuitive level. The next stage of the analysis is to determine priorities representing the relative importance or preference of the elements of the constructed hierarchical structure, using a paired comparison procedure. Dimensionless priorities allow for reasonable comparison of dissimilar factors, which is a distinctive feature of the AHP. At the final stage of the analysis, a synthesis (linear convolution) of priorities on the hierarchy is performed, as a result of which the priorities are calculated alternative solutions relatively main goal. The alternative with the maximum priority value is considered the best.

The hierarchical analysis method can be used not only to compare objects, but also to solve more complex problems of management, forecasting, etc. Along with mathematics, it is based on psychological aspects. MAI allows you to structure in a clear and rational way complex problem making decisions in the form of a hierarchy, compare and quantitatively evaluate alternative decision options. The method is used all over the world for decision-making in a variety of situations: from management at the interstate level to solving sectoral and private problems in business, industry, healthcare and education. For computer support of MAI, there are software products developed by various companies.

Main dignity of MAI is highly versatile - the method can be used to solve a wide variety of problems: analysis possible scenarios development of the situation, resource allocation, client ratings, personnel decisions, etc.

Disadvantage of the hierarchy analysis method is the need to obtain a large amount of information from experts. The method is most suitable for cases where the bulk of the data is based on the preferences of the decision maker in the process of selecting the best solution from a variety of existing alternatives.

2.5 Methods based on the use of cards ( are also methods of activating thinking), allow you to achieve anonymity of participants in group work, so they are often used when there are conflicts in the group putting forward ideas. Conflicts do not allow the creative, constructive nature of decisions to manifest themselves. In addition, verbal descriptions discipline participants by requiring them to express their thoughts concisely, and allow them to visualize the process of generating ideas, thereby connecting additional channels of perception and creating additional associations.

Methods using cards include the following:

- Crawford Questionnaire Method - This is a written version of the brainstorming method. It can be implemented in two ways:

a) using cards. In this case, ideas are written on small cards and can be circulated (although the method does not allow for this) among the participants so that related ideas can be added or an idea previously expressed can be expanded upon by adding new elements;

b) using stands. In this case, ideas are written down on boards or stands. Participants walk along them, as in a gallery, and add related ideas or expand on previously indicated ideas by adding new elements.

- Method 635 consists in the fact that each participant (ideally, there are six of them) is given a card (sheet of paper) with a question written on it. Over the next five minutes, the participant sketches out three options for solving the problem, then hands his card to the neighbor on the left, and from the neighbor on the right, in turn, receives his card with three other proposals from each participant. Ideally, he gets inspired by them and in the next five minutes adds three new ideas to them, then passes the card further to the left. The session ends when each participant has made notes on each sheet - after about half an hour. During this time, 6 x 3 x 6 = 108 solutions to the problem should appear. The assessment is carried out in the same way as during brainstorming.

- Generic resemblance diagram (or "affinity diagram") is a method of problem solving in which ideas are written on cards, which are then grouped, classified, named, and subjected to voting and selection.
Developed in the 1960s in Japan by anthropology professor Jiro Kawakito, it is often called the KJ method after his name. The method has become one of the seven management and planning methods of modern Japanese quality management. Purpose of the method- identifying relationships between individual ideas and solutions that at first glance have nothing in common. This is achieved by grouping ideas and solutions and identifying deep relationships between the resulting groups. Using this method requires a creative approach and a broad outlook of the participants. The method promotes effective teamwork: all thoughts and ideas are expressed, clarified, summarized and prioritized on a non-confrontational basis; reduces the influence of the most talkative or dominant members on group decisions.

- Technique« dismemberment" used primarily to improve tangible objects. Its essence lies in decomposing the object under study into its component parts and analyzing the main qualities, features or properties of each part separately. At the same time, each part is studied for its shape, size, chemical composition, strength, appearance and so on in terms of possible replacement, cutting or addition. This method was developed and described in detail by Dr. Robert P. Crawford (USA) in his book “Creative Thinking Techniques.” This method consists of four sequential steps. First, all the components of the design (item, service, product, etc.) to be improved are recorded on separate cards. Then on each card they list sequentially maximum amount characteristic features of the corresponding part. After this, it is necessary to evaluate the meaning and role of each feature for the functions of this part (whether they should remain unchanged from the point of view of the implementation of their functions). Then you should emphasize different colors those characteristics of the analyzed part that cannot be changed at all, those that can be changed only within specified limits, and those that can be changed within any limits. Finally, all cards are laid out on the table at the same time and analyzed as a common field of effort.

Method of morphological analysis

The essence of the method is that several characteristic (structural or functional) features are identified in the system. Each of them can characterize some parameter or characteristic of the system on which the solution to the problem depends. For each selected characteristic, a list of its various alternatives is compiled. Characteristics with alternatives are placed in a table - a “morphological box”. By going through all possible combinations of these alternatives, new solutions can be identified. Modifications of the morphological method - matrix methods.

Morphological analysis is an effective way to solve system problems that require an unconventional, original solution. The ideas of modern morphological analysis were first tested by the monk Raymond Lullius (ca. 1235 - 1316). The method was given a second life by the famous Swiss astrophysicist, Fritz Zwicky, who worked in the USA in the mid-20th century. Using his method, F. Zwicky was able to generate an impressive number of original solutions for rocket science problems. The name of the method “morphological” is often replaced by the term “Zwicky method”. Nowadays morphological analysis is widely used in various fields of human activity. The development of the method has formed a separate direction - the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ by G.S. Altshuller).

The main idea of ​​morphological analysis is to streamline the process of putting forward and considering various options for solving a problem. The calculation is based on the fact that options that were not previously considered may come into view. The principle of morphological analysis is easily implemented using computer tools. Morphological analysis is based on the following sequential steps - an algorithm.

Figure 7.3.1 Algorithm for conducting morphological analysis

The principle of morphological analysis is rational for fairly simple systems - advertising, design, etc. For objects with a large number of elements and many options, the table becomes cumbersome and the method becomes labor-intensive. A table for analyzing options for pairwise combinations and selecting the optimal one is given below.

Table 7.3.1 Morphological analysis table

for pairwise combination of options

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4

The main advantages of morphological analysis are:

· equivalence of all elements of the analyzed object;

· maximum clarity in the formulation of the task;

· removing restrictions in the analysis of elements of the object under study;

· the opportunity to obtain new and/or develop existing ideas.

Basic schemes of morphological analysis:

A method for identifying the supporting elements of the system under study and working with combinations of solution options;

Method of negation and construction. This method of morphological analysis is based on the replacement of formulated ideas with opposite ones and the analysis of inconsistencies;

Morphological box method (most suitable for large and complex objects). It consists of determining all possible parameters for solving a problem, forming a matrix and analyzing various combinations before selecting the best combination option.

Observation method

The observation method is one of the main methods of collecting primary information. Observation is a simple and widespread method due to its cheapness and availability. According to these characteristics, observation can perhaps only be overcome by the meeting method.

Observation- this is the receipt of information (collection and registration) in an open or hidden version about the process of behavior and about the properties of the object being studied.

The main tasks of observation, for example, in trade organization, are:

Determining the frequency of visits

Determining the gender and age of clients

Determining the duration of the purchasing process, the product selection process, etc.

Assessment of the effectiveness of the facility location and the possibility of approach routes to this point.

When conducting observation, special instruments are required. This could be: an observation diary, registration cards, an observation protocol, audiovisual recording aids.

The reliability and reliability of observational data can be increased by following following rules:

· Record elements of observed events in as detailed a manner as possible, using clear criteria (indicators).

· The same object should be observed in different situations. For example, psychological and sociological observations of employees can be carried out in normal, stressful, standard and conflict situations.

· Control the accuracy of the description of actual events or their elements, without replacing them with emotional or desired ideas.

· It is preferable to carry out basic observations by several persons using a single technology in order to compare impressions, assessments, and interpretations.

Figure 7.4.1 Observation steps

Observations can be classified according to various signs: according to the degree of formalization, according to the position of observation, according to the conditions for organizing observation, according to the regularity of observation.

Table 7.4.1 Classification of types of observation

Classification feature (criterion) Type of observation Peculiarities
According to the degree of formalization Controlled Observations Organized according to a clear formalized plan and procedures. It is mandatory to have a developed list of signs of events, instructions for observers, and registration tools.
Uncontrolled observations (non-standardized, unstructured) Observations are carried out only according to a general fundamental plan, the results are recorded in free form.
According to the observation position principle Participant observations Entry into the object’s environment, adaptation and collection of information “from the inside” is simulated. The researcher can work in both open and closed (incognito) modes.
Observations not included (simple) Registration of events is carried out “from the outside”. In this case, it is advisable for the observer to be “invisible” in order to reduce the interference introduced during his study.
According to the conditions of organization of observation Field observations Observation is carried out in natural conditions.
Laboratory observations The situation for observation is created experimentally, artificially.
According to the regularity of observation Systematic observations Regular fixation, usually on a specific schedule in accordance with the observation program.
Random observations (non-systematic) Observations not included in the research program.

In conclusion, I would like to note that observation with a research, scientific purpose differs from ordinary observation, first of all, in that it is subject to a clear goal and objectives, and secondly, it is planned and carried out according to a special procedure.

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2. Lumberjacks cut logs into meter-long pieces. Sawing off one such piece takes one minute. How many minutes will it take them to cut a 5m long log?
3. The youth library has half a million books and 50 thousand readers. A new building was built for the library. How to move at the lowest cost?

Many inventors have had a tempting idea: is it possible to get a list of all possible solutions for each problem? After all, having such a list, you don’t risk missing anything.

In 1942, the Swiss astronomer F. Zwicky proposed a method for finding solutions to technical problems, which he called morphological (typological) analysis (morphological- concerning appearance or buildings, i.e. forms). Using this method, in a short time he managed to obtain a significant number of original technical solutions in rocket science, which greatly surprised the leading specialists and managers of his company.

The essence of the method- identification of several morphological (typical, species, distinctive) features (parameters) that are significant for the problem being solved, and compilation of all possible combinations of these features.

Features can be arranged in the form of a table called morphological box (matrix). This allows you to better imagine the search field for solving the problem.

As a result of targeted and systematic analysis, new information is generated, which escapes attention during a simple enumeration of options.

Stages of solving a problem using morphological analysis of its parameters.

1. We select all the parameters that are significant for each of the options for solving the problem.

2. Determine the significance scale for each parameter (factor).

3. We expertly evaluate the significance of each factor within the selected scale.

4. We add up expert assessments for all parameters and, based on the sum of points, determine which option is preferable.

Example. Solving the problem of choosing a profession (or specialty) after graduation using the method of morphological analysis. Let's say a student is interested in three professions: 1) aircraft design engineer, 2) computer technician, 3) truck driver on intercity flights. We will write these numbers of profession options into the morphological matrix (see p. 40). Every profession has its own advantages and disadvantages. Which one should you choose?

To solve the problem, we will select the most significant (for a given student) parameters and write them in the morphological matrix. We have chosen five parameters, but there could be many more.

In the second column we will write down the significance scale (score) by which we will evaluate the parameters. It should be noted that each of the parameters given in the example has a different significance for different people. Therefore, when filling out the table yourself, the parameter values ​​will be different.

In our example, the most significant parameter is the amount of salary, in second place is prestige and in third place is the opportunity to engage in creative work. The remaining parameters are assessed on lower scales.

We expertly evaluate all three professions within the selected scales. As a result of adding the sum of expert assessments for all parameters, we determine that the most preferable profession is an aircraft design engineer.

Application. Morphological analysis can be used to compile a list of all possible options for solving a problem, to compare or select one of many possible solutions to technical, organizational and other problems.

Disadvantage of the method- an abundance of options, from which it is difficult to choose the best. In addition, morphological analysis does not allow us to determine whether all possible options have been considered.

Morphological (typological) analysis, morphological (typical) characteristics (parameters), morphological box (matrix), expert assessments.

Practical work.

Using morphological analysis, create a table of significant parameters for:

Why do you think there are so many interesting and outlandish things in Artemy Lebedev’s store? I think, also because the company has a competent generation and selection of ideas. The method for solving inventive problems presented in the article will help you come up with and select a great variety of interesting solutions, incl. and grocery, for your business.

Application "Morphological Box" method, which will be discussed, is most rational for simple objects and where it is possible to find new idea through a combination of known solutions. Examples of tasks:

  • Develop a unique design for a barbecue, bookshelf, or doghouse.
  • Analyze devices for hair removal on the human body.
  • Find a girl with “blue eyes and scattered eyebrows, and a snub nose” if you saw her only once on an oncoming escalator in the subway during rush hours :).

Author of the method. Fritz Zwicky (Zwicky, Fritz) (1898-1974), Swiss astronomer and physicist. Worked at the California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, USA). Zwicky was chief scientific consultant to Aerojet General Corporation (Azusa, California). He owns 50 patents, mostly in the field of rocketry; Zwicky invented a number of jet and hydroturbine jet engines.


The essence of the method is to construct a matrix (table, box), where all the constituent elements of the research object are listed and all possible options for implementing these elements are indicated. Varying all known variants implementation of object elements, you can get the most unexpected new solutions. Manipulation - Native sister creativity!

Stages of the morphological box method (according to Zwicky's recommendations)

  1. 1. Precisely formulate the problem to be solved. Look at what objects of similar purpose are known and what such objects could be. Research the problem. The main recommendation at this stage is the most precise formulation of the goal of the morphological study, removing the emphasis on directiveness, and possible reformulation or clarification of the goal. An example of a simple object: a business card (more precisely: a bright, unique dentist business card that is difficult to forget).
  2. 2. Identify and characterize all the parameters that could be included in solving a given problem. When analyzing tasks “per device”, a parameter should be understood as a functional unit of this device; when analyzing tasks “per method” - an operation that achieves a particular target function. The main recommendation is that all parameters should be approximately equivalent from the point of view of the goal. An example of object parameters: shape, cover of a business card.
  3. 3. Construct a morphological box or multidimensional matrix containing all solutions to a given problem. The main recommendation is that no assessments of options should be carried out until the morphological set is fully formed. An example of object parameters: business card shape (ball, Mobius strip, rectangle, etc.), coating (plastic, cardboard, sausage, etc.).
  4. 4. All solutions contained in the morphological box are carefully analyzed and evaluated in terms of the goals that must be achieved.
  5. 5. The main recommendation is to check for each row of the morphological table whether the particular implementations of the parameter are alternatives and whether the “absent” option is meaningful. Examples of solutions: round edible, rectangular made of plastic, etc. Select and implement the best solutions (subject to the availability of the necessary funds).

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