A simplified and explicit shortcut method for the design of simulated moving bed processes is derived on the basis of equilibrium theory. The applicability of this approach is discussed using the hodograph plane for competitive adsorption equilibria with nonconstant selectivity, namely modified Langmuir-, Bi-Langmuir, and Jovanovic isotherms. The approach shows excellent accuracy when validated against literature data. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that systems described by modified or Bi-Langmuir isotherms may comprise complex nonlinear phenomena.