TRIZ is the Russian abbreviation for the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving and was first formulated shortly after World War II in the former Soviet Union by Genrich Saulovich Altshuller while doing research on patents (Rantanen & Domb, 2008). Altshuller noticed that there were common patterns of evolution inherent in many of the successful inventions and theorized that if these patterns could be applied during the process of invention, problem-solvers could use this accumulated knowledge to reduce typical trial and error (Rantanen & Domb, 2008).
As the name and origin suggests, TRIZ is primarily used by inventors, engineers and natural scientists to technical problems and functions as follows (Moehrle, 2005):
1. The specific problem in question must be analysed in detail (e.g. current state, available resources, goals to be fulfilled, intended state).
2. The problem-solver must search for an abstract problem that matches his specific problem. 3. An abstract solution to the abstract problem must then be found.
4. If found, the abstract solution must be transformed into a specific solution that solves the original specific problem.
Altshuller has not outlined a strict sequence for the TRIZ methodology. Consequently, many practitioners have suggested their own sequence of steps. Petković, Issa, Pavlović, and Zentner (2013) suggest a sequence similar to the four steps outlined by Moehrle (2005), but add transformation phases
pointing to prominent TRIZ that may assist during these phases. Figure 2.10 depicts the problem-solving
process using TRIZ as envisioned by these authors.
Figure 2.10. Problem-solving process using TRIZ. Reprinted from “Application of the TRIZ creativity enhancement approach to design of passively compliant robotic joint,” by D. Petković, M. Issa, N.D. Pavlović, and L. Zentner, 2013, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 67, p. 867. Copyright 2013 by Springer.
To facilitate the TRIZ methodology, Altshuller developed a vast array of tools that a problem-solver may apply. The sheer number of tools contained within TRIZ and the depth of many of these tools can be overwhelming. As alluded to in Figure 2.10, two of the most important tools are the contradiction matrix and inventive principles that are briefly explained below. Central to the TRIZ methodology is the identification and eventual resolution of conflicts inherent to problems for which the contradiction matrix is used (Su, Lin, & Chang, 2008). The matrix consists of 39 rows containing desired functions of a system and 39 columns containing harmful factors of a system (Moehrle, 2005). The key is to transform the desired function into a specific row and the harmful factor into a specific column of the matrix. Then, cross-referencing the row and column, several inventive principles are offered that may be applied to solve the problem. The inventive principles are the abstract solutions referred to in the simplified four- step overview of the TRIZ methodology above. Altshuller found that tens of thousands of solutions were the result of only 40 principles (Rantanen & Domb, 2008). Table 2.6 lists these forty inventive principles. Table 2.6
Forty Inventive Principles of TRIZ
Inventive Principles
1. Segmentation 21. Rushing Through
2. Extraction 22. Convert harm into benefit
3. Local conditions 23. Feedback
4. Asymmetry 24. Mediator
5. Consolidation 25. Self-service
6. Universality 26. Copying
7. Nesting 27. Disposable object
8. Anti-weight 28. Replacement of a mechanical system
9. Prior Counteraction 29. Pneumatic or hydraulic construction
10. Prior Action 30. Flexible ‘shells’ or thin films
11. Cushion in advance 31. Porous material
12. Equipotentiality 32. Change the colour
13. Inversion 33. Homogeneity
14. Spheroidality 34. Rejecting or regenerating parts
15. Dynamicity 35. Transforming the physical/chemical state
16. Partial or excessive action 36. Phase transition 17. Shift to a new Dimension 37. Thermal expansion 18. Mechanical vibration 38. Strengthen oxidation
19. Periodic Action 39. Inert environment
20. Continuity of useful action 40. Composite Materials
Note. Adapted from “What is TRIZ? From conceptual basics to a framework for research.” By M.G. Moehrle, 2005, Creativity & Innovation Management, 14, p. 8. Copyright 2005 by Blackwell Publishing.
Some of the other prominent tools within TRIZ include the following (Ilevbare, Probert, & Phaal, 2013): 76 Standard solutions. Not all problems are a result of contradictions. At a systemic level, a
problem may simply occur due to an undesired interaction between two system parts. In such cases, one of the 76 standard solutions must be applied;
Ideal Final Result (IFR). This tool represents the aspiration or idealized goal-state and is viewed as all parts of a system working at their best or maximum capacity;
Analysis of system resources. This tool entails the search for and stock-taking of resources (both internal, as well as external to the system) that can be utilised in the problem situation. Analysis of system resources attempts to answer the question: What resources can I use that will get us closer to the Ideal Final Result?
Fitting. This tool entails taking a more realistic view of the Ideal Final Result and working towards an achievable solution, given the problem’s real-world constraints;
Nine windows. It is often necessary to understand a problem or system within its environment. The nine windows tool (also known as multi-screen diagram of thinking or inventive system thinking) is primarily used to add such context, as well as to map how the problem changes over time. This may lead to successful solutions;
Function analysis. Using function analysis provides an understanding of how all system components interact and highlights problems originating within those interactions;
Substance field (Su-field) analysis. Another analysis tool to understand the whole system and pinpoint the exact problem without being weighed down by superfluous details.
Effects database. The effects database comprises 2500 problem solving concepts, distilled from science and engineering.
Smart Little People. Here, the problem solver must imagine that the system under analysis consists of clever little people that are capable of making decisions alone or as a group. This helps breaking a large problem into smaller parts. After analysing the system in such a way, the smart little people must be asked how they would solve the problem in an individual or collective manner. Altshuller developed this tool to reduce psychological inertia.
Size-time-cost. Imagine your system at extremes of size (minute or non-existent versus infinitely large), time (no time versus infinitely long time), and cost (free versus infinitely expensive). As another tool developed to reduce psychological inertia, size-time-cost will help the problem solver on what is wanted from the system and eliminate false constraints.
Nine laws of engineering systems evolution. These laws describe how technical systems evolve over their lifecycles and are intended to be used for efficient problem-solving (Cavallucci, Rousselot, & Zanni, 2009).
For space-saving considerations, only a portion of a problem will be used to illustrate the use of TRIZ. Globally, consumers are increasingly demanding a higher standard of food safety and quality. Food traceability systems are invaluable as such systems facilitate recall of unsafe food when food safety incidents occur, prevents unnecessary losses resulting from recalling products not affected, and protects products from fraud.
In Taiwan, a core problem was that consumers are unfamiliar with aquatic food products marked with such traceability information and, although more beneficial, traceable products do not have superior sales when compared to untraceable products (Lee, Hsu, Dadura, & Ganesh, 2013). First, the problem- solver may choose to use the 39x39 parameter contradiction matrix. Note that since this problem is not a technical problem, but a consumer behaviour problem, there may be a need to translate or stretch the meaning of parameters. What is the desired parameter in this problem? Parameter 14 (Strength): The strength of promotional efforts for aquatic products with traceability information can be increased. What is the harmful or worsening parameter for this problem? Parameter 21 (Power): Just as technical devices need continuous power to operate, so promotional efforts require continuous information to be effective. If promotional information is not available continuously, consumers are likely to forget easily.
Cross-referencing the two parameters, the contradiction matrix points to the following inventive principles: Principle 10 (prior action), principle 26 (copying), principle 28 (replacement of a mechanical system) and principle 35 (transformation of the physical and chemical states of an object). Next, the problem-solver may choose the principle that sparks an idea. Principle 28 refers to the use of a sensor (of sound, hearing, sight, smell, touch, or light) instead of the current method (Lee et al., 2013).
Through analogical thinking, the problem-solver can develop a strategy or solution to the core problem. Just as there are various types of sensors, there are various types of promotions that could increase awareness and knowledge regarding aquatic food products with traceability information. For example, traceability systems can be promoted via the internet, radio, print media, demonstrations in shopping malls, and presented during expos. This should be done continuously to increase consumers’ knowledge of traceability information and confidence in aquatic food products, which in turn should increase sales (Lee et al., 2013).
One unique benefit of the TRIZ methodology is that it lends itself to forecasting and predicting how technology will evolve, particularly when applying the laws of engineering systems evolution and nine windows tools (Ilevbare et al., 2013). In addition, if applied correctly, TRIZ may lead to more rapid problem-solving as the methodology can zero in on the exact problem quickly. However, these benefits are heavily contingent on the precise application of TRIZ, much more so than any of the other creative problem-solving methods reviewed in this chapter. This is because few TRIZ tools, such as size-time- cost and smart little people, are intuitive in nature. Instead, the majority of TRIZ tools are analytic in nature.
TRIZ has a number of limitations as a problem-solving method. The main limitation of TRIZ is that it is very complex to learn and use as a result of the high number of principles, steps, standard solutions, and tools contained within the methodology.
There are many tools to use at each juncture of the problem-solving process causing many users of TRIZ to experience difficulty in selecting the correct tool. Rutitsky (2010) found that the incorrect selection of TRIZ tools leads to squandered effort and time. An elaborate, step-by-step process guide called ARIZ (Algorithm for Inventive Problem solving) was developed to help navigate the TRIZ process and direct the use of the multitude of TRIZ tools. However, critics have noted that it does not contain all of the TRIZ tools and is too complex to apply to most problems (Ilevbare et al., 2013).
Another major drawback is that there are limits to the application of TRIZ. Although attempts have been made to apply TRIZ to non-technical domains, such as service quality (Su et al., 2008), human factors problems (Akay, Demiray, & Kurt, 2008), and management problems (Mueller, 2005), the method and its most potent tools are best suited to engineering, manufacturing, and invention problems.
In a survey involving respondents from a multinational company, Ilevbare et al. (2013) found that training people to use TRIZ is problematic as only a small portion of learners become TRIZ practitioners. This echoes Altshuler own observations, noting that despite training his students extensively, only a small percentage applied TRIZ in their working lives.
Another limitation raised in this study is the effect of cultural differences on the meaning of the TRIZ methodology. Russian and Western thinking differs markedly. In addition, the specific metaphoric nature of Altshuler’s original writing style may have obscured some meaning in translation (Ilevbare et al., 2013). In addition, respondents found that TRIZ was very word-centric and not suited to learners that are more visual or intuitive in their thinking. Finally, there are high time demands placed both on
instructors and learners undertaking TRIZ training, such as the time needed to get used to its terminology, cover all the material, and gain a true understanding of TRIZ.
The current researcher is of the opinion that TRIZ is so complex that its use (including choosing which tools to utilise, recalling the correct layout of several complex tools, etcetera) may increase cognitive load to such a degree that it leaves little cognitive capacity to think about the problem.