A design matrix structure visualization technique and tool for the study and analysis of systems, such as software systems, where the bounds of the matrix are defined by a selected focusing metric and entities forming the system are displayed in the matrix as blocks of size relative to their proportion of the selected focusing metric. Relationships between entities are illustrated by summing all relationships between individual elements forming each displayed entity. Where possible, an identifier defining the characteristic of a displayed block is also shown. Preferably, the technique and tool includes a “zoom” feature to allow a user to drill down and uncover details associated with smaller blocks as shown in the original view.