TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem-Solving)

TRIZ, which stands for "Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadach" (Theory of Inventive Problem-Solving), is a powerful, systematic problem-solving and innovation methodology.  Developed by Genrich Altshuller a Soviet engineer, who analyzed thousands of patents to identify patterns in inventive solutions. He discovered that innovative solutions often resolve contradictions. Many problems and their solutions repeat across different industries and scientific fields. TRIZ provides tools and principles to leverage these patterns for creative problem-solving.

Key Components of TRIZ:

• Contradictions:

  • TRIZ focuses on identifying and resolving technical contradictions, where improving one aspect of a system negatively affects another.

  • Example: Increasing a machine's speed might reduce its accuracy.

• 40 Inventive Principles:

  • Altshuller identified 40 principles that commonly appear in inventive solutions.

  • These principles offer guidance for overcoming contradictions.

  • Examples: "Segmentation," "Prior Action," "The Other Way Around."

• Contradiction Matrix:

  • A tool that helps identify relevant inventive principles based on the specific contradiction.

• Laws of System Evolution:

  • TRIZ recognizes that technical systems evolve in predictable patterns.

  • Understanding these patterns can help forecast future technological developments.

• Ideality:

  • The concept of striving for an "ideal final result," where a system performs its function without any drawbacks

The 40 Inventive Principles