A Matrix Chart can be created to help decision making and also to clarify concepts after a brainstorming session. It is very similar to a Morphological chart, however more casual in its structure. It can also be used as a starting point for creating ideas. Several Matrices may be used together to create a plan for different design directions. The design of a chair for an office could be the initial brief. For this a general matrix could be generated:
| Ideas | Minimalist | Standard | Hi-tech | Additional function |
| Single support | X | X | X | |
| Double Support | X | X | X | |
| Tripod | X | X | ||
| Four Legs | X | X | ||
| Levitation | X | X | X | |
| Suspended from above | X | X | ||
| Solid Base | X | X | X | X |
| Back support | X | X | X | X |
| Balance related posture | X | X | ||
| Wheels | X | X | ||
| Movement | X | X | ||
| Adjustment | X | X | ||
| Swivel | X | X | ||
| Automation | X |
Thirty four Design directions are outlined so far for each of these a Matrix chart containing Materials or Processes could be used
| Options | Woods Natural and manufactured | Metals (Ferrous and non ferrous Alloys) | Glass | Polymers(Thermoplastics, Thermosets and natural) |
| Injection Moulding | X* | X | ||
| Compression Moulding | X | |||
| Extrusion | X | X | ||
|
Forming Processes Vacuum:Superplastic:Draped:Jigs |
X | X | X | X |
| Casting | X | |||
| Rotational Moulding | X | |||
| Blow Moulding | X | |||
| Cut and Machined | X | X | X | X |
* Similar process used for Light Non ferrous alloys
This method could continue for specifics such as fixing and joining methods or surface finish.