Understanding TRIZ: What it is, Types of Techniques, Differences between Concepts, and How to Use It

TRIZ is a methodology that focuses on innovative problem-solving techniques and product development. When working on a new project, we often encounter obstacles that hinder progress towards success. While we may have solutions for most problems, certain challenges can be difficult to overcome. TRIZ provides a scientific approach to address and overcome these challenges, despite common misconceptions that it is a psychological concept.

The acronym TRIZ represents the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, which was developed by Genrich S. Altshuller, a renowned Russian engineer and scientist. Altshuller postulated that every new innovation is founded on a previously established principle. Essentially, he believed that every challenge we encounter has already been confronted by someone else in the past, or a comparable situation, and a solution to that dilemma already exists.

By utilizing TRIZ, one has the ability to tackle problems of any level of complexity, so long as they possess the creativity to draw upon past solutions. Although the exact solution may not always be readily available, a similar one is sure to exist. Your task is to identify the relevant problem and extract the solution from it.

How Does the Concept of TRIZ Work?

TRIZ operates under the fundamental concept of problem generalization and comparison with 40 inventive solutions outlined in the technique. To achieve this, the current problem is compared to similar ones from the past. Altshuller's research revealed that problems and their associated inventions repeat themselves across industries and sciences.

TRIZ is not a foolproof solution and often leads to the discovery of contradictions. However, the ultimate objective is to address these contradictions and arrive at an optimal solution. TRIZ has been predominantly utilized in the engineering field, where practitioners draw on past solutions to tackle current problems.

Features of TRIZ – Generalizing a Problem and Finding Solution via TRIZ

Altshuller believed that creativity is the foundation of every innovation. He stated that any problem faced today has been solved before, and therefore, the key to finding a solution is to identify a similar or identical problem from the past and apply its solution to the current situation. This approach can help project teams to overcome challenges and achieve success.

The use of Six Sigma tools is widely acknowledged as an efficient approach to driving business innovation. However, in situations where these tools fall short, the TRIZ technique has proven to be a highly effective alternative.

TRIZ prompts you to identify a general form of your problem and connect it with a similar issue that has been previously solved. By examining past solutions, your project team can aim to retrofit your problem to fit into that solution, while disregarding any contradictions that may arise. With a creative approach, your team can identify the optimal solution to overcome seemingly complex problems.

Altshuller's theory states that problems in any industry or science are repetitive and follow the same pattern of evolution. The innovation you seek to develop is based on pre-existing principles. Utilizing the TRIZ technique can accelerate the system development process and hasten the evolution process. This enables engineers to swiftly and efficiently arrive at solutions to the most complex of problems. In addition, TRIZ can eliminate the risk of failure as a proficient solution has already been established in the past. By working on this correctly, a perfect solution to your problem can be developed.

The TRIZ technique can come in handy when you find yourself at a roadblock and need guidance on the best way forward. It's particularly useful when you're unsure about the effectiveness of your current ideas or team suggestions. Additionally, if time is of the essence and you can't afford any delays, TRIZ can help you find speedy and efficient solutions. In cases where other problem-solving tools like Six Sigma have fallen short, the TRIZ technique can provide a fresh perspective.

Eliminating Contradictions Usability of TRIZ

It is important to avoid using past solutions when your team is capable of coming up with innovative ideas that are more relevant to the current situation and environment. Referring to outdated solutions can demoralize your team and hinder their ability to think creatively and problem-solve effectively. Encourage your team to think outside the box and explore new approaches to find the best solution.

In the previous section, we discussed the first tool of the TRIZ technique, which involves generalizing your problem and finding a solution. Now, let's move on to the second tool, which focuses on eliminating contradictions. TRIZ teaches us that certain fundamental contradictions can impede problem-solving efforts, and these contradictions often arise as problems evolve.

Improvements often come with trade-offs. For instance, enhancing your service might lead to more complicated delivery processes. Additionally, conflicting demands for a product can create a different kind of contradiction, such as wanting a laptop with advanced capabilities while also being easy to use and compact.

Eliminating these contradictions by different TRIZ principles will help you solve several problems that seem daunting at the start.

Additional TRIZ Concepts and Techniques to Solve Different Problems

TRIZ offers a multitude of techniques and ideas that extend beyond the basic principles mentioned earlier. Here are some of the innovative concepts and techniques that you can experiment with in various situations-

1. The Law of Ideality

This concept of TRIZ tells that any sort of system tends towards being more dependable throughout its life when it goes through improvement in regular intervals.

2. Functional Modeling, Analysis, and Trimming

TRIZ incorporates this technique for defining a wide range of problems that are not being diagnosed via basic TRIZ principles.

3. Locating the Zones of Conflict

This one is used as Six Sigma problem-solvers as “Root Cause Analysis, “and it is highly applicable in solving specific organizational problems.

4. The Laws of Technical Evolution and Technology Forecasting

With the help of this technique, TRIZ lets you categorize technical evolution as per their system, function, and demand.

5. The 76 Standard Solutions

TRIZ techniques also offer specific solutions that are devised to a wide variety of common problems associated with innovation and design phases.

By utilizing one or a combination of various TRIZ techniques, you have the flexibility to choose the best approach to solve your problem. Genrich Altshuller's TRIZ techniques aim to establish a systematic process for generating successful and productive innovations. Through these principles, it was discovered that 98% of patented innovations rely on existing principles, while only 2% are truly original.

Let us now have 40 inventive principles of TRIZ upon which problem-solving can be based upon-

40 Inventive Principles of TRIZ used in Problem Solving

1. Segmentation
2. Extraction
3. Local quality
4. Asymmetry
5. Merging
6. Universality
7. Nested doll
8. Counterweight
9. Preliminary counteraction
10. Preliminary Action
11. Cushion in advance
12. Equipotential
13. The other way round
14. Spheroidal
15. Dynamics
16. Partial or excessive actions
17. Transition into another dimension
18. Mechanical vibrations
19. Periodic Action
20. Continuity
21. Rushing through
22. Blessing in disguise
23. Feedback
24. Intermediary
25. Self-service
26. Copying
27. Cheap objects
28. Replace the mechanical system
29. Pneumatics and hydraulics
30. Flexible shells
31. Porous materials
32. Color changes
33. Homogeneity
34. Discarding and recovering
35. Parameter changes
36. Phase transitions
37. Thermal expansion
38. Strong oxidants
39. Inert atmosphere
40. Composite materials

By using various TRIZ techniques or a combination of them, innovative solutions can be discovered when tackling complex problems. The proper use of contradiction strategies can help identify areas that require improvement while avoiding any negative impact on other aspects.

Disadvantages

The TRIZ technique undoubtedly offers valuable assistance in swiftly and effectively resolving intricate issues. However, it also has one key drawback: its lack of formalization can create complications when attempting to fully comprehend it.

Moreover, when you try to generalize the problem, you may get more confused on certain occasions.

Summary

Expertise is crucial when it comes to applying TRIZ techniques to find adaptable solutions. However, it's important to note that TRIZ solutions may require more time and effort than traditional problem-solving methods.

What are your impressions of TRIZ's innovative problem-solving concepts? Do you believe TRIZ techniques are still applicable in today's world? Share your thoughts in the comments section.