###### Abstract
The primary aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive investigation into the Taxonomic Measure of Development proposed by [PERSON] [4]. This investigation systematically reviews various algorithms associated with TMD, including their extensions and modifications. This study contributes by systematically reviewing TMD's applications in different fields, particularly focusing on fuzzy and intuitionistic fuzzy adaptations. This paper will explore the integrated multi-criteria approach based on [PERSON]'s method and its application in addressing complex real-life problems. The investigation will be grounded in a detailed examination of several key steps integral to the TMD framework. These steps include the collection of relevant data, determination of criterion weights, definition of ideal values, and the normalization of data. Furthermore, this paper will analyze the calculation of distances between normalized values and ideal values and the factor normalization of aggregated measures. Each of these elements contributes to the overall ranking of alternatives and the practical utility of the TMD approach. By exploring these methodological aspects, this paper aims to provide a thorough understanding of [PERSON]'s method and its practical applications in various domains. In summary, this paper makes a significant contribution by offering an original and comprehensive investigation into the Taxonomic Measure of Development, enriching both its theoretical foundations and practical applications. The main contributions are as follows. _Comprehensive review of TMD:_ This study systematically reviews the original Taxonomic Measure of Development method and its extensions, including data represented by real numbers or linguistic evaluation and fuzzy and intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and provides a thorough analysis of its evolution and diverse applications. _Novel, author-driven analytical approach:_ Unlike existing reviews, this paper introduces an original approach by conducting a detailed, step-by-step analysis of the TMD framework--focusing on data collection, criterion weighting, normalization, and distance calculation. This process-oriented analysis is a novel contribution, which allows for a deeper understanding of the methodology, distinguishing this paper from typical literature reviews that focus on statistical or bibliometric analyses. It also provides a clear mapping of the various fields where Hellwig-based methods can be applied, such as socio-economic analyses and multi-criteria decision-making. _Practical applicability:_ This paper highlights the versatility of TMD, particularly in solving complex, real-world decision-making problems, by illustrating its use in socio-economic analysis, sustainability assessments, and other complex decision-making scenarios. It underscores its unique focus on proximity to ideal solutions, distinguishing it from other methods like TOPSIS and enhancing its utility in certain decision contexts. This paper is structured into five sections. Section 2 presents the background of the problem and the literature review and outlines the research methodology used in analyzingthe Taxonomic Measure of Development and its extensions. In Section 3, the original [PERSON]'s TMD is presented, along with a series of practical applications in various fields, mainly socio-economic analysis. Section 4 explores extensions and modifications to the classic [PERSON] method, including approaches using data represented by real numbers, fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and linguistic evaluations, with examples of real-world applications provided for each. Finally, this paper concludes with a summary in Section 5. The conclusion summarizes the findings, contributions of this paper, and limitations, offering suggestions for future research, particularly regarding the further development of the Taxonomic Measure of Development.