TRIZ

Published at: May 10th 2024

TRIZ

is a problem-solving philosophy based on logic, data and research, rather than on intuition.

TRIZ stands for "Theory of Inventive Problem Solving," a creative problem-solving method developed in the Soviet Union by engineer Genrich S. Altshuller and his team between 1946 and 1985.

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIZ#/media/File:Prism_of_TRIZ_Oxford_Creativity.png

The idea behind TRIZ is simple: the principles of creativity and innovation are universal, meaning that whatever problem you're facing, someone, somewhere, has already solved a similar one.

It helps you identify these solutions and adapt them to your own challenges.

It's particularly helpful in fields like product development, design engineering, and process management, and is often used alongside methodologies like Six Sigma for quality improvement. TRIZ principles are used by companies like Hewlett-Packard, Boeing, and Samsung to innovate, optimize processes, and understand market trends.

TRIZ Basic Principles:

1. Ideal End Result: Encourage out-of-the-box thinking to find the best possible solution rather than settling too quickly.
2. Less is More: Innovation often requires minimal investment and can be achieved using existing resources.
3. Solutions Already Exist: Define problems in terms of general principles to find solutions beyond your primary field.
4. Search for Contradictions: Identify and define contradictions (conflicting requirements), as their resolution often leads to the solution.
5. Lines of Evolution: Technological evolution follows predictable patterns that make trends more foreseeable.

Key TRIZ Tools

TRIZ relies on two key concepts: generalizing problems and solutions, and eliminating contradictions.

1. Generalizing Problems and Solutions:

• Problems and solutions are universal across different industries. By framing problems as "contradictions," you can predict creative solutions.
• Patterns of technological evolution often repeat themselves across fields.
• Innovative solutions frequently involve scientific principles from other domains.

• Using TRIZ:
  • Learn the recurring patterns of problems and solutions.
  • Understand the contradictions in your problem.
  • Develop new ways to apply scientific effects.
• Applying TRIZ:
  • Take your specific problem and relate it to a general TRIZ pattern.
  • Identify the general solution and apply it to your specific situation.
  • Adapt the generalized solution to solve your specific problem.

1. Eliminating Contradictions:

   • Two Types of Contradictions:
     • Technical Contradictions: Classic engineering trade-offs where improving one aspect worsens another.
       • Example: A stronger product (good) increases weight (bad).
     • Physical Contradictions: Conflicting requirements within the same system.
       • Example: Coffee should be hot (for enjoyment) but cool (to avoid burns).
   • Resolving Contradictions:
     • Technical Contradictions: Use the TRIZ Contradiction Matrix to identify solutions.
     • Physical Contradictions: Apply the TRIZ Separation Principles (by Space, Time, and Scale) to resolve conflicting requirements.

The TRIZ Method: 40 Inventive Principles

Genrich Altshuller identified 40 inventive principles to solve complex problems. Every innovation can be traced back to one or more of these principles.

To arrive at the right application of the 40 inventive principles, it is important to formulate the right contradiction very clearly with respect to what should be improved and what should not get worse. After this, the problem solving process can be started up.

1. Segmentation

Segment the product into independent parts as a result of which a useful or damaging quality is isolated (shop in shop).

2. Extraction

Extract a disturbing part or property from an object and/or single out the only necessary part or property (sugar free biscuits).

3. Local quality

By changing the structure of products in a specific place, the desired product is created (cap on milk carton).

4. Asymmetry

Change the shape an object from symmetrical to asymmetrical (trendy kettle).

5. Merging

By merging functions, properties or parts of a product in space or time, a new or unique result is created (day cream with UV filters).

6. Universality

Make a product more uniform, universal, extensive and multi-functional (hair-dryer).

7. Nested doll

Place multiple objects inside others (paper insulated coffee cups).

8. Counterweight

Compensate the negative property of the product by combining it with another object that provides a lifting force (hovercraft).

9. Preliminary counteraction

Analyze beforehand what can go wrong and take preliminary counteraction (sun milk).

10. Preliminary Action

Place object before it is needed so that it can go into action immediately from the most convenient location for their delivery (Emla numbing cream).

11. Cushion in advance

Because nothing is perfectly reliable, prepare emergency measures in advance (metallic car coating – anti-contamination).

12. Equipotentiality

Eliminate tension in or around an object’s environment (cling film).

13. The other way round

Implement an opposite or reverse action (reversible clothing).

14. Spheroidality

Replace linear parts with spherical parts (round brush head for hoover).

15. Dynamics

Make a product or property temporarily flexible or flexible for a short while (possibility to buy a car with unique stripes).

16. Partial or excessive actions

Use a little more than necessary or use a little less of the same product (high active enzymes in laundry detergents).

17. Transition into another dimension

Change the orientation of a linear product from vertical to horizontal etc. Use a different dimension or multi-storey arrangement (layered cake).

18. Mechanical vibrations

Use vibrations to achieve a positive effect (massage cushion).

19. Periodic Action

Instead of continuous actions use periodical or pulsating actions (electric toothbrush).

20. Continuity

Carry on work continuously and eliminate all idle or intermittent actions (boarding pass such as e-tickets).

21. Rushing through

Conduct a process at high speed to prevent errors (DSL internet versus fibre optic internet).

22. Blessing in disguise

Use harmful factors to add value. (3M yellow post-its with low tack adhesive).

23. Feedback

Introduce feedback by using output as a means of input, output audits can be improved (telephone number of service desk on packaging).

24. Intermediary

Merge one object temporarily with another (oven bag for cooking chicken).

25. Self-service

Make an object serve itself by performing auxiliary helpful functions (self-checkout at supermarkets).

26. Copying

Instead of a valuable or fragile object, use inexpensive copies (zirconia jewellery).

27. Cheap objects

Use inexpensive and/or disposable objects to reduce costs (disposable cutlery).

28. Replace mechanical system

Replace a mechanical system with a different shape, action or function (folding electric bikes).

29. Pneumatics and hydraulics

Replace solid parts of an object with pneumatic (air) or hydraulic (water) parts (barber chair).

30. Flexible shells

Replace traditional constructions with flexible shells (water repellent, breathable sports clothing).

31. Porous materials

Make properties of objects, systems or materials porous (read-to-use iodine band-aid).

32. Colour changes

Change the color or other optical property of an object (Polaroid sunglasses).

33. Homogeneity

Make objects interact with a given object with identical properties (two-component adhesive).

34. Discarding and recovering

By making objects or parts of objects that have fulfilled their usefulness go away and by subsequently restoring them, they can be reused.(reusable make-up packaging)

35. Parameter changes

Change the properties of an object (steam shower).

36. Phase transitions

Use phenomena occurring during chemical phase transitions (pregnancy test).

37. Thermal expansion

Convert heat energy to mechanical energy (solar panels).

38. Strong oxidants

Reinforce oxidative processes to enhance a function or process (cryotherapy for warts).

39. Inert atmosphere

Replace a neutral environment to support a desired function (vacuum wine saver pump).

40. Composite materials

Change from homogeneous to composite materials (thermos flask).

The TRIZ Method of Problem Solving is all about Creativity

The TRIZ Method of Problem Solving stimulates creativity and the 40 inventive principles could inspire product development. Compare the TRIZ method to a brainstorming session in which participants are encouraged to emerge with ideas. The effects of the session are limited because only those attending the session make creative contributions.

The creative ideas of those not attending the session are not taken into consideration. TRIZ Method of Problem Solving, on the other hand, challenges us to look at things differently and it enables people to use previous experiences and knowledge gained in global innovations.

sources:

https://www.toolshero.com/problem-solving/triz-method/

https://www.mindtools.com/amtcc5f/triz

https://triz.sk/en/

https://www.triz.co.uk/triz-effects-database

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIZ#/media/File:40_principles_of_TRIZ_method_720dpi.jpg