A detailed analysis of a number of multivariable process control strategies, including non-interacting control, optimal control, inverse Nyquist array and characteristic locus techniques, is carried out theoretically on a one-dimensional, two-input heat conduction system. Additionally, a new non-interacting control strategy, termed inner-loop decoupling, is developed. The potential improvements in control system performance through the use of extra measurements and through the appropriate selection of measurement locations is assessed. Results show the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques, point to the flexibility of the characteristic locus method and indicate the effectiveness of the new method of inner-loop decoupling.