A system and method for displaying in a two-dimensional array the structured interaction of two variables moving in tandem to achieve a target outcome: e.g., a chemical reaction balancing heat and pressure to produce a desired compound, or an aircraft changing speed over angles of attack. Underlying system operating variables are represented in the display as proxy values of X and Y, scaled so the range and interval of X- and Y-axes are the same. The resulting display is a “matched array” of all possible X, Y intersections, including a unique and clearly-delineated “alignment vector” of those cells in which proxy values of X equal proxy values of Y, the jointly-optimal values of the underlying system operating variables. Wherever X and Y intersect, indicators depict the operating variable values, their proximity to optimal on the alignment vector, and the direction and extent of adjustments needed to achieve optimal system performance.