TRIZ PRINCIPLES - New Perspective on Future Proofing Innovation

Understanding TRIZ: A Path to Innovation and Problem-Solving

In 2016 or 17, I was formally introduced to TRIZ for the first time. Prior to that, I had only encountered it in casual conversations and had not taken the initiative to explore it further, assuming it would be overly technical. However, my perspective changed significantly when I was nominated by my company for a selective Innovation training program, which had a limited number of participants. I consider myself fortunate to have participated in this program, where I approached the training with great dedication and achieved a high score in one of the psychometric assessments designed by my trainer to evaluate the Innovation Quotient of the candidates. I had no idea at the time that I would soon be leading the Innovation Journey within my company. Today we will deep dive and see what TRIZ is all about.

In either 2016 or 2017 was when I first got to know about TRIZ in a setting, for the first time! Before that moment came along my way unexpectedly and enrolled me in an Innovation training course with a few chosen individuals from my workplace. I only heard of it in passing and never once took the time to dive deeper into it because I thought it might be too technical, for my taste. Its been a blessing to be part of this program and give it my all during the training sessions and assessments focused on measuring candidates Innovation Quotient. Little did I know that I’d eventually be spearheading the innovation efforts at my company! Let’s delve into the world of TRIZ today and uncover its secrets together.

In our dynamic society success, in business greatly depends on creativity and finding solutions. Both companies and individuals always strive for efficiency when faced with obstacles. TRIZ is an approach that has emerged recently standing for the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving from the Russian term “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadach.”In the twentieth century Genrich Altshuller of the Soviet Union introduced TRIZ as a methodical way to foster creativity and innovation, for tackling intricate problems with a structured approach.

Lets delve into the world of TRIZ in this blog post to understand its concept and how it can positively impact your work life.

What is TRIZ, about? TRIZ stands for Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. Is a method that focuses on creativity through studying innovation patterns in problem solving techniques. Altshuller conducted an in-depth analysis of patents. Discovered that solutions to technical challenges often adhere to specific patterns. He then categorized these discoveries into a set of principles that’re universally applicable, across sectors and industries.

In essence TRIZ involves diverging from thought processes by steering of conventional thinking methods. Then coming up with arbitrary solutions or depending on trial and error TRIZ prompts individuals to tackle problems systematically by recognizing conflicts and resolving them using imaginative approaches. The approach offers a range of methods and strategies to assist people in reaching inventive resolutions.

Understanding the workings of TRIZ. TRIZ operates on a set of ideas that distinguish it as a tool, for fostering innovation and tackling problems efficiently grasping these principles can enhance your utilization of the methodology more proficiently.

Differences, in opinions:-

In TRIZ theory stands the concept of contradictions, as an element. Typically, in conventional issue resolution methods people perceive contradictions as roadblocks For instance you might aim to create a product that’s sturdy yet light weight; however it often appears unattainable to achieve both qualities without sacrificing one for the other. Nevertheless, in TRIZ viewpoint contradictions are seen as chances for creativity. In TRIZ context the contradictions may fall into physical categories. A technical contradiction emerges when enhancing one aspect of a system results, in the decline of another. Sometimes in the world a thing or system may need to possess two conflicting properties at the time. This is known as a physical contradiction according to TRIZ principles which offer 40 inventive strategies to help you navigate and resolve such dilemmas effectively without having to make sacrifices.

The Ultimate Desired Outcome (UDO)

The Ultimate Desired Outcome (UDO) as emphasized in TRIZ methodology is the objective or resolution to aim for in problem solving scenarios. It embodies the economical approach, to addressing a challenge striving for maximum advantages while minimizing potential drawbacks or complexities. To illustrate when creating a mechanism, the optimal scenario could involve functionality of energy consumption or upkeep requirements. It might seem challenging at glance; however, making use of the IFR approach can steer your thoughts towards advancements instead of merely accepting small progressions.

Evolutionary Patterns

TRIZ observes trends, in progress that explain the development and enhancement of systems over time. These trends enable us to forecast the evolution of a system in the future so that we can plan and innovate in advance effectively. For example, a lot of systems progress, towards levels of automation, minimization and flexibility. Understanding these tendencies allows us to design products or services that meet needs and surpass rival offerings.

The 40 Innovative Principles

The 40 Innovative Principles represent a collection of strategies crafted from studying advancements in fields of endeavor. They function as a toolbox, for addressing challenges. Encompass diverse methodologies, like segmentation, inversion, asymmetry and dynamics. Through the application of these principles individuals are able to devise answers that resolve conflicts and enhance systems.

The Matrix of Contradictions

Applying the 40 Inventive Principles, in TRIZ is made simpler with the help of a Contradiction Matrix provided by TRIZ itself. This tool assists users in pinpointing the principles for their specific issue by highlighting conflicts among various system parameters (such as weight versus strength). By following this method solutions are not arbitrary but rooted, in established strategies.

What advantages can you gain from utilizing TRIZ methodology? 

Now that we’ve discussed the fundamentals of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) lets delve into how individuals, from backgrounds. Be it a business executive or an engineer or even someone seeking problem solving approaches. Can leverage this methodology to their advantage.

Boosted. Ingenuity

One major benefit of TRIZ is its ability to overcome obstacles and stimulate imaginative thought processes. Conventional approaches, to problem solving typically involve brainstorming or trial and error techniques that may result in less-than-optimal outcomes. In contrast TRIZ offers an approach to producing concepts enabling you to address problems more efficiently and promptly. By prompting you to identify contradictions and find resolutions, for them TRIZ can lead you to solutions that might not have been contemplated otherwise. This could be especially advantageous, for companies aiming to outperform rivals or create products.

Enhanced Effectiveness, in Troubleshooting

There are problem solving techniques that can be quite time consuming and may not always lead to solutions effectively; however, TRIZ presents a method that allows for swift problem-solving solutions by addressing the core issue promptly. Through the utilization of tools such, as the Contradiction Matrix and the 40 Inventive Principles you can bypass trial and error methods. Concentrate instead of approaches that have a higher probability of success. In sectors, like manufacturing and engineering where time’s enhanced productivity is especially beneficial. Quickly resolving issues can accelerate product innovation, cut expenses. Boost competitiveness.

Enhanced Product and Process Development

TRIZ is commonly applied in the field of engineering and product development due to its effectiveness in boosting product design and refining processes. Whether you are involved in developing a product or streamlining an existing process TRIZ offers insights to pinpoint areas for enhancement and pave the way, for creative solutions. For instance, various companies leverage TRIZ to address dilemmas in product design like enhancing strength without adding weight or boosting performance without escalating expenses. By utilizing the 40 Inventive Principles one can discover solutions that cater to both business needs.

Since TRIZ is founded upon the principles of evolution patterns, in technology and innovation trends analysis can aid in predicting the progress of products and systems effectively It provides the ability to create products or services that are not just cutting edge today. Remain pertinent in the future By grasping the trajectories and patterns of technological enhancements you can ensure that your innovations are ready, for what lies ahead and maintain a competitive edge.

TRIZ is known for its adaptability as it can be utilized across industries and fields such, as manufacturing and healthcare without limitations on its applicability or effectiveness, in problem solving scenarios related to issues or business strategies.

The 40 Inventive Principles of TRIZ are a tool, for addressing dilemmas and stimulating thinking.

Dividing an object or system, into parts is known as segmentation.

Lets extract the redundant part, for performance.

Transform your object or system by optimizing each part to operate in its environment.

Enhance performance or flexibility by swapping out designs, for ones.

Bringing together items or actions to enhance effectiveness is known as merging.

Versatility is the ability to have one object or system serve purposes.

Nested Dolls are created by putting one object inside another or arranging them in a way that allows one part to fit inside the other.

Methods to counteract weight include utilizing counterbalances or additional supporting structures to achieve equilibrium and diminish the load bearing pressure.

Prior Precautionary Measures; actions, in advance to mitigate adverse outcomes.

Getting things ready by taking steps beforehand to get set for tasks is the way to go.

Get ready ahead of time by setting up contingency plans or safety mechanisms in case any issues or mishaps arise.

Strive for equipotentiality by reducing variations, in characteristics like pressure and temperature, across the system to maintain equilibrium.

Turning things around. Consider flipping the issue or solution and doing the opposite of the approach.

Enhancing performance can be achieved by swapping out surfaces or straight structures with curved ones promoting spheroidality.

Enhancing performance involves enabling components of a system or object to adapt or modify themselves dynamically.

Of taking actions at all times try using a bit more or less than necessary and make adjustments as you go along.

Transitioning to Another Level of Perception ; Shift items or structures from a surface to a three space or incorporate fresh elements into the blueprint.

Utilizing vibrations or oscillations to enhance a process or system is known as vibration.

Periodic Tasks are more efficient, than ones; they involve interrupted actions instead of constant ones.

Sustaining Action. Maintain a task or procedure, in movement or function to avoid disruptions.

Lets skip steps or parts of a process that’re unnecessary or redundant.

Embracing the Silver Lining; Transform circumstances or challenges, into outcomes or opportunities, for growth.

Utilize feedback loops to manage or enhance a procedure or system.

Step ; Employ a factor or method to enhance the efficiency of a system.

Design. Objects, in a way that allows them to function independently without the need, for assistance, known as self service.

Using an more version or imitation instead of the real item or procedure.

Regenerate components to enable them to be disposed of or set up for regeneration and reuse.

Lets switch up the mechanics by using alternatives such, as magnetic methods of relying solely on mechanical means! In the field of pneumatics and hydraulics gases or liquids are utilized to enhance the efficiency of force transfer and action execution.

Utilizing materials or coatings can enhance adaptability and performance, in shells and thin films.

Incorporate. Cavities, into the structure of materials to conserve resources or lessen the overall weight.

Monitoring systems or processes using color alterations or visual cues can improve functionality and user experience significantly.

Creating uniformity by using the material, for components, in a system or object can enhance compatibility and overall effectiveness.

Discarding and Recovering Process involves removing elements or features during tasks and then restoring them as required.

Adjusting parameters such, as temperature, concentration or density can enhance the efficiency of the system.

Phase transitions refer to utilizing the shifts, between states of matter (liquid gas) to enhance the efficiency of various tasks and actions.

Using temperature fluctuations to modify objects, for function is known as expansion.

Powerful oxidizing agents utilize oxygen or other reactive elements to kickstart or speed up chemical reactions.

To prevent chemical reactions its recommended to utilize an environment or substances that do not react chemically.

Utilize composite materials to improve durability, flexibility and functionality by combining materials.

THE ORIGINAL PRINCIPLES

The Inventive Principles: 40 Inventive Principles of TRIZ, which are used to solve contradictions and guide innovative thinking:

1. Segmentation: Divide an object or system into independent parts.

2. Taking Out: Remove or isolate the part that causes problems or provides unnecessary functions.

3. Local Quality: Change the structure of an object or system by making different parts function in their best, most suitable environments.

4. Asymmetry: Replace symmetrical designs with asymmetrical ones to enhance performance or flexibility.

5. Merging: Combine identical or similar objects or operations to improve efficiency.

6. Universality: Make one object or system perform multiple functions.

7. Nested Doll: Place one object inside another, or make it so that one part can fit inside the other.

8. Anti-Weight: Use counterweights, supporting elements, or compensating forces to balance or reduce weight.

9. Preliminary Anti-Action: Perform actions beforehand to counteract undesirable effects.

10. Preliminary Action: Carry out actions in advance to prepare for later operations.

11. Cushion in Advance: Prepare emergency measures or protection systems in case of potential failures or problems.

12. Equipotentiality: Minimize differences in physical properties such as pressure, temperature, or potential energy.

13. The Other Way Around: Invert the problem or solution, doing the opposite of what is typically done.

14. Spheroidality: Replace flat surfaces or linear structures with spherical or curved ones for better performance.

15. Dynamicity: Allow parts of a system or object to change or adjust for improved performance.

16. Partial or Excessive Action: Instead of precise action, use more or less than what is needed, then adjust later.

17. Moving to a New Dimension: Move objects or systems from 2D to 3D, or add new dimensions to the design.

18. Mechanical Vibration: Use vibrations or oscillations to improve a process or system.

19. Periodic Action: Instead of continuous action, use periodic or interrupted actions for efficiency.

20. Continuity of Useful Action: Keep an action or process in continuous motion or operation to prevent interruptions.

21. Skipping: Skip certain steps or parts of a process that are unnecessary or redundant.

22. Blessing in Disguise: Turn harmful factors or problems into advantages or beneficial opportunities.

23. Feedback: Use feedback loops to control or improve a process or system.

24. Intermediary: Use an intermediate element or process to make a system function better.

25. Self-Service: Design systems or objects so they can self-maintain or self-operate without external help.

26. Copying: Use a simplified or less expensive replica or model in place of the actual object or process.

27. Dispose/Regenerate: Allow parts to be discarded, or design them to regenerate and be reusable.

28. Mechanics Substitution: Replace mechanical means with other forms of action, like electrical, magnetic, or optical means.

29. Pneumatics and Hydraulics: Use gas or liquids to transfer forces or perform actions more efficiently.

30. Flexible Shells and Thin Films: Use flexible materials or coatings to increase adaptability and performance.

31. Porous Materials: Introduce holes, voids, or porous elements into the design to save materials or reduce weight.

32. Color Changes: Use color or visual changes to monitor systems or processes, or to enhance functionality.

33. Homogeneity: Make interacting parts of a system or object from the same material for better compatibility.

34. Discarding and Recovering: Get rid of unwanted parts or functions during operations and then recover them when needed.

35. Parameter Changes: Change properties like temperature, concentration, or density to improve system performance.

36. Phase Transitions: Use transitions between states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) to perform actions more effectively.

37. Thermal Expansion: Use changes in temperature to alter the shape or size of objects for better functionality.

38. Strong Oxidants: Use oxygen or other reactive elements to initiate or accelerate processes.

39. Inert Environment: Use an inert environment or substances to avoid undesirable chemical reactions.

 

40. Composite Materials: Use composite or combined materials to enhance strength, flexibility, or functionality.

In my opinion- Don’t hesitate to keep learning; you don’t have to excel in every aspect but embracing knowledge always enhances your existing skills and expertise. TRIZ serves as a resource, for individuals seeking to enhance their ability to solve problems and foster innovation effectively. Through its method of addressing conflicts and sparking ideas TRIZ enables you to tackle obstacles, with greater efficiency and maintain a competitive edge in the modern business landscape. Whether you’re an engineer or a business executive or just someone wanting to explore ideas beyond the norm; TRIZ provides perspectives and methods that could pave the way, for game changing outcomes in problem solving endeavours. It can enhance your abilities. Equip you to address intricate problems effectively while creating products or services that are ahead of their time and stay competitive in the market. When met with a task, in the future rely on TRIZ for an organized method to pinpoint optimal solutions.