TRIZ

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Prism of TRIZ Oxford Creativity

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TRIZ (Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch, translated as "Theory of Inventive Problem Solving") is a problem-solving, analysis, and forecasting tool derived from the study of patterns of invention in the global patent literature. It was developed by Soviet inventor and science fiction writer Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues, starting in 1946. TRIZ presents a systematic approach for understanding and defining challenging problems, generating innovative solutions, and predicting future developments of technological systems.

History

The development of TRIZ began with the realization by Altshuller and his colleagues that there must be some universal principles of invention that are applicable across different areas of technology. After analyzing a vast number of patents, they identified patterns in the way problems were solved and innovations were developed. This led to the formulation of TRIZ's basic concepts and tools.

Core Principles

TRIZ is based on several core principles, including the idea that the evolution of technical systems is not random but follows certain patterns and laws. Some of the key principles include:

• The Ideal Final Result (IFR) - envisioning the ultimate solution to a problem without constraints.
• Contradictions - identifying and resolving the inherent contradictions in a problem or system.
• Resources - utilizing available resources within the system or its immediate environment to solve problems.
• Patterns of Evolution - recognizing and applying patterns of technological evolution to forecast future developments.

Tools and Techniques

TRIZ encompasses a variety of tools and techniques to facilitate problem-solving and innovation. Some of the most widely used include:

• ARIZ (Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving) - a step-by-step procedure for solving complex problems.
• Contradiction Matrix and 40 Principles of Invention - used to identify and solve contradictions without compromising.
• Substance-Field Analysis (Su-Field Analysis) - a tool for modeling and solving problems involving interactions between substances and fields.
• Trends of Engineering System Evolution - guidelines for predicting the future development of technical systems.

Applications

TRIZ has been applied in a wide range of fields, from engineering and manufacturing to business and management. Its systematic approach helps innovators to break out of their traditional thinking patterns, identify novel solutions to difficult problems, and forecast technological trends.

Challenges and Criticisms

While TRIZ has been praised for its structured approach to innovation, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that its complexity and the abstract nature of its tools can be daunting for beginners. Others point out that the effectiveness of TRIZ can be limited by the user's ability to accurately define the problem and apply the tools.

Conclusion

TRIZ offers a comprehensive framework for inventive problem-solving that has been refined and expanded over decades. Its emphasis on identifying and resolving contradictions, utilizing available resources, and applying patterns of technological evolution makes it a powerful tool for innovation across various domains.

TRIZ Resources
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