Lost in a forest of problems? Consider finding your way out using TRIZ

TRIZ (trees) came out of the former Soviet Union. TRIZ is an abbreviation for the Russian phrase “theory of inventive problem-solving.”

TRIZ is not something new. In fact, Genrikh Saulovich Altshuller embraced the roles of engineer, inventor, and science-fiction writer (pen name Genrikh Altov).

Altshuller and his comrades began developing TRIZ around 1946. He hypothesized that given a large enough pool of information, it would be possible to define problem-solving patterns. Another way to put this is that Altshuller recognized that somebody had already invented the wheel (problem’s solution), so why would he want to reinvent a solution?

Despite being a highly effective problem-solving tool, TRIZ is not widely used. It certainly is not one of the first tools that hit the problem-solving Top Ten in the United States.

At first glance, TRIZ can be intimidating with its matrix and principles. Add in where it originated. Well, it is easier to default back to the things like Ishikawa’s Fishbone or a decision tree. The only problem? There’s a good chance that you’re reinventing the wheel.

Altshuller’s research and thinking revealed that

💡 problems and solutions repeated across industries and sciences.

💡 patterns of technical evolution repeated across industries and sciences.

💡 innovations use scientific effects outside the field where they were developed.

The Contradictions Matrix and the 40 Principles of Invention emerged from his thinking. Like any complex tool, you won’t master its use by reading this article.

Yet, I can pique your curiosity.

The 40 Principles offer a framework for examining everything from segmentation to local quality to dynamics.

The Contradiction Matrix focuses on technical contradictions involving trade-offs. Physical contradictions use the 40 Principles approach to solve problems involving objects or systems.

In the spirit of not reinventing the wheel, Altshuller and his colleagues, between 1975 and 1985, created five categories containing 76 standard solutions. These are:

Category 1: improving the system with little or no change

Category 2: improving the system by changing the system

Category 3: system transitions

Category 4: detection and measurement

Category 5: strategies for simplification and improvement.

TRIZ is much more than a tool to expedite problem-solving, however. TRIZ can be used to foster innovation and creativity during the problem-solving phase. TRIZ also scales from micro to macro events and systems. Furthermore, like any useful adaptable fundamental tool, many variations of TRIZ exist.

So, if you’re interested in a tool that relies on a systemized and structured approach using logic and data, you should be giving TRIZ a try.

TRIZ exemplifies the adage “No magic, just know-how.”

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No Magic. No BS. Just Know-How.

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