Interaction Matrix

The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) (also referred to as dependency structure matrix, dependency structure method, dependency source matrix, problem solving matrix (PSM), incidence matrix, N2 matrix, interaction matrix, dependency map or design precedence matrix) is a simple, compact and visual representation of a system or project in the form of a matrix. It is the equivalent of an adjacency matrix in graph theory, and is used in systems engineering and project management to model the structure of complex systems or processes, in order to perform system analysis, project planning and organization design.

 A design structure matrix lists all constituent subsystems/activities and the corresponding information exchange and dependency patterns. In other words, it details what pieces of information are needed to start a particular activity, and shows where the information generated by that activity leads. In this way, one can quickly recognize which other tasks are reliant upon information outputs generated by each activity. It has two main strengths. it can represent a large number of system elements and their relationships in a compact way that highlights important patterns in the data (such as feedback loops and modules). it is amenable to matrix-based analysis techniques, which can be used to improve the structure of the system.

Uses
DSM analysis provides insights into how to manage complex systems or projects, highlighting information flows, task sequences and iteration. It can help teams to streamline their processes based on the optimal flow of information between different interdependent activities.

 DSM analysis can also be used to manage the effects of change. For example, if the specification for a component had to be changed, it would be possible to quickly identify all processes or activities which had been dependent on that specification, reducing the risk that work continues based on out-of-date information.

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Source file wikipedia