TRIZ is the Russian acronym for “Teoria reschenija isobretatjelskich sadatsch”, which translates as “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving” or “Theory for Solving Inventive Problems” or in English “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TIPS)”. The methodology was created by Genrich Saulovich Altschuller and Rafael Borisovich Shapiro under the influence of Dmitri Dmitriyevich Kabanov around 1954-1956. The goal of the TRIZ method is to develop an ideal technical product.
The TRIZ principle is based on the assumption that a large number of inventions are based on a comparatively small number of general solution principles, that only the overcoming of contradictions makes innovative solutions possible and that the improvement of technical systems follows certain patterns and regularities.
For this purpose, the problems of a product development are identified, described and abstracted to such an extent that solution approaches can be taken from an existing (problem) solution catalog (Altschuller describes 37 standard problem types of technical products as well as 40 principles with which these can be solved in his method). The 40 principles are:
- Decomposition
- Separation
- Local quality
- Asymmetry
- Coupling
- Universality
- Integration (plug-in doll, matryoshka)
- Counterweight (counterweight)
- Previous counteraction (anticipated counteraction)
- Previous effect (early effect)
- Principle of the “previously placed cushion” (prevention)
- Equipotentiality
- Function inversion (inversion)
- Sphericity (spheroidality)
- Dynamization
- Partial or excess effect
- Transition to other dimensions (transition to the higher dimension)
- Utilization of mechanical vibrations
- Periodic effect
- Continuity of the useful effect (continuity of the effect processes)
- Principle of rushing through (skipping)
- Conversion of harmful into useful
- Feedback (feedback)
- Principle of the “mediator
- Self-service
- Copy
- Cheap short life instead of expensive long life
- Replacing the mechanical system (replacement of mechanical operating principles)
- Application of pneumo and hydro systems
- Application of flexible sleeves and thin foils
- Use of porous materials
- Color change
- Similarity (homogeneity)
- Removal and regeneration of the parts
- Change in physical and chemical properties (change in state of aggregation)
- Application of phase transitions
- Application of thermal expansion
- Application of strong oxidizing agents
- Application of an inert medium (use of an inert medium)
- Application of composite materials (application of composite materials)
The advantage of this method is that the user can orientate himself on a concrete catalog of possible problem-solving approaches and thus systematically run through various possible approaches until a suitable solution is found. To be able to perform the TRIZ method, you need experience/exercise in using the complex procedure.
By discarding old ballast and overcoming existing obstacles to generate space for new ideas, the TRIZ method offers a way not to fall into one’s own patterns in the search for new ideas, but to actively question what needs to be done differently or left completely in order to get closer to the goal.
Digital developments, innovations and technical possibilities challenge firmly established principles overnight. This means that spaces for new ideas often have to be created before ideas can take these places.
Personal as well as institutional barriers play an important role here. TRIZ offers the opportunity to uncover personal taboo topics and creativity blockers in a fun way, creating space for courageous conversations in a newly created space.
As Miguel de Unamuno says: “In every end, lies a new beginning” – so TRIZ offers the possibility to tear down existing thoughts and obstacles and to fill the created space with new innovations and ideas.
