Abstract A systematic design method for assigning a required time-scale structure to a given multivariable system is developed. The time-scale structure assignment is carried out using high-gain feedback of either the state or the output. The method developed decomposes a given multivariable system into several single-input single-output subsystems, each of which is designed separately. A standard method of design for single-input single-output systems is developed, and this forms a building block for the multivariable system design. The state feedback design depends only on the stage sequence of the given system, while the output feedback design depends only on the set of integers that specifies the order of infinite zeros. In this way, our design is made robust with respect to certain parameter uncertainties. High-gain parameter(s) can be adjusted on line, and this provides a tool for the fine tuning of the desired performance characteristics of a control system.