Pugh Matrix

Brainstorm a list of characteristics related to the two items you selected in step 1. Ask yourself what the features or components are that make up the item. Also how, when and why is the item used Generate the same number of characteristics for each item (typically 5 to 7 per item). If you have too many characteristics, use a Pugh Matrix (Technique 36) to narrow down the list. 

If you still have too many ideas after using KJ Method, use a Pugh Matrix (Technique 36) to help you prioritize them. 

When you ve finished Idea Harvesting and Treatment, you should have increased the yield of viable ideas that can become solutions for your innovation opportunity. You can further evaluate these ideas using techniques like Six Thinking Hats (Technique 29) or Pugh Matrix (Technique 36). 

The next task is to prioritize and select a design by filtering through a number of design concepts to the point where just one is pursued for further development. Two techniques are very helpful in this regard Paired Comparison Analysis and Pugh Matrix. You can also use both of these techniques... 

Part of this technique s advantage is that it s easier to use than such other comparative techniques as the Pugh Matrix (Technique 36). Therefore, Paired Comparison Analysis enables you to quickly but comprehensively assess the relative worth of all your options before committing to any specific one. 

The Pugh Matrix and the concept of "controlled convergence" were invented by Dr. Stuart Pugh at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. The basic idea behind the matrix is to discourage opinions and promote objectivity through the systematic elimination of inferior concepts and the elevation of superior concepts. 

Each alternative concept is compared to the baseline datum relative to several evaluation criteria, in this case, solution-level performance and perception expectations. Each evaluation criterion becomes a row in the Pugh Matrix. When using the Pugh Matrix to evaluate initial innovation ideas relative to some job to be done, the list of evaluation criteria are synonymous... 

For our hypothetical example, the best design solution seems to be the straight chair with the fitted massage hood that also plays music. But the Pugh Matrix is not just a simple mathematical exercise it s a qualitative technique that forces discussion and the development of new and alternative options to find the very best one. 

Some people add an importance column to the Pugh Matrix for the purpose of weighting certain evaluation criteria over others. But if this strategy is taken, be careful to remember that you still use this technique to spark discussion about how to create invincible ideas or solutions—not just select the one that has the highest rating or comparison score. 

B.K. Lydersen, G.G. Pugh, M.S. Paris, B.P. Sharma, and L.A. Noll, Ceramic matrix for large-scale animal cell culture, BIOfTECHNOLOGY (January) 63 (1985). 

There are many frequently measured quantities that are related to the absolute strength of an absorption line or band (Pugh and Rao, 1976). The fundamental quantity to which the others are related is the integrated cross section, <7°-, which has units of area times frequency (often cm2 cm-1 molecule-1 or, equivalently, cm/molecule). The integrated cross section is more fundamental than the peak cross section, 0), because it is insensitive to environmental factors (e.g., temperature, pressure, solvent or matrix effects), the effects of which are typically manifested in the width of the transition, Az/y. 

Nofar M, Hoa SV, Pugh MD. Compos Sci Technol. 2009, 69, 1599-1606. Failure detection and monitoring in polymer matrix composites subjected to static and dynamic loads using carbon nanotube networks. 

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