Matrix Diagram

As stated, the matrix diagram is among the three most commonly used 7 MP tools. It displays complex relationships involving two or more sets of ideas, environments, objectives, means, projects, and so on. A number of forms have been usedC-shaped, L-shaped, T-shaped, X-shaped, Y-shaped.^[2], ^[3], ^[4] L-shaped matrices are the most common.

Matrix diagrams have wide applications in product and process design and problem-solving (see Table 7.2). They are particularly useful in translating user functional quality into quality characteristics for product and process design. QFD provides an excellent example of a composite matrix diagram and is among its most common applications (see Chapter 11).