TRIZ: The Backbone of Innovation and Problem-Solving

TRIZ, or Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, is a methodology developed by Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues in the mid-20th century. This system is designed to solve engineering and technical problems creatively. The core idea is that the process of innovation is not random but follows predictable patterns using tools developed from the rigorous study of patents.

Here are the main components of TRIZ:

1. Contradictions: Identifying and resolving contradictions within a system. Instead of making compromises, TRIZ aims to eliminate them.
2. 40 Principles of Invention: A set of strategies to overcome technical challenges.
3. Ideal Final Result (IFR): A vision of the best possible outcome without constraints.
4. Evolution Patterns: Recognizing that systems evolve in predictable ways over time.
5. Functional Analysis: Understanding and improving the functions of a system.

TRIZ is widely used in various industries to foster innovation and streamline the problem-solving process.

TRIZ can be considered as the backbone of technological innovation for several key reasons:

1. Systematic Approach: Unlike traditional brainstorming, which can be somewhat random, TRIZ provides a structured method for solving problems and generating innovative ideas. This systematic approach increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the innovation process.
2. Predictable Patterns of Evolution: TRIZ is based on the analysis of thousands of patents and innovations across various industries. By identifying patterns of technological evolution and problem-solving, TRIZ provides a set of tools and principles that can be applied to new problems, making the innovation process more predictable.
3. Elimination of Contradictions: One of the core principles of TRIZ is to resolve contradictions without compromise. This approach often leads to breakthrough innovations, as it encourages thinking beyond conventional solutions.
4. Comprehensive Toolkit: TRIZ offers a wide range of tools, including the 40 inventive principles, the contradiction matrix, and the concept of the Ideal Final Result (IFR). These tools help innovators systematically analyze and solve complex problems.
5. Cross-Industry Applicability: TRIZ is not limited to any specific field or industry. Its principles can be applied to any technical or engineering problem, making it a versatile and powerful method for fostering innovation.
6. Focus on Functionality: TRIZ emphasizes the importance of improving the functionality of a system. By focusing on the functions and their interactions, TRIZ helps identify areas for improvement and innovation.
7. Encourages Radical Innovation: By challenging conventional thinking and encouraging the resolution of contradictions, TRIZ promotes radical, rather than incremental, innovation. This often leads to groundbreaking solutions that can transform industries.

In essence, TRIZ provides a robust framework that guides innovators through the complex process of problem-solving and idea generation, making it a cornerstone of technological innovation.

Where has TRIZ been used?

TRIZ has been successfully implemented in various industries, leading to significant improvements and impressive returns on investment (ROI). Here are a few notable examples:

1. Samsung Electronics: Samsung used TRIZ to resolve the contradiction between improving battery life and reducing device weight in their Galaxy phones. By applying TRIZ principles, they developed innovative methodologies that allowed them to enhance battery performance while making the devices lighter 1. This led to increased customer satisfaction and market share.
2. Boeing: Boeing applied TRIZ to improve the design and manufacturing processes of their aircraft. By using TRIZ principles, they were able to identify and eliminate contradictions in their design, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective production processes. This led to significant savings and improved aircraft performance.
3. Hewlett-Packard (HP): HP used TRIZ to address various IT-related problems, including data security, CPU cycle costs, private clouds, and leased asset management. By applying TRIZ principles, HP was able to uncover novel solutions that improved system performance and reduced costs 2. This resulted in substantial ROI and enhanced competitiveness in the IT industry.
4. Automotive Industry: TRIZ has been applied in the automotive industry to achieve cost reduction and innovation. By integrating TRIZ into their Design to Cost (DTC) framework, companies were able to solve contradictions and achieve significant cost improvements without compromising on quality 3. This led to increased profitability and market competitiveness.

These examples demonstrate how TRIZ can be effectively used to drive innovation and achieve substantial ROI across various industries.

Other users of TRIZ

TRIZ has been successfully applied by several companies to drive innovation and solve complex problems. Here are a few more examples:

1. Siemens: Siemens has applied TRIZ to various projects, including the redesign of a streetcar driver seat armrest. This application helped simplify assembly and reduce costs 3.
2. HP (Hewlett-Packard): HP has utilized TRIZ to address IT-related problems, such as data security and CPU cycle costs. The methodology has helped uncover novel and innovative solutions 4.
3. Emerson Electric: Emerson Electric has leveraged TRIZ to enhance its engineering and manufacturing processes, leading to more efficient and effective solutions.
4. Motorola: Motorola has used TRIZ to improve product design and development, resulting in innovative solutions and better product performance.
5. NASA: NASA has applied TRIZ to solve engineering challenges in space exploration, leading to advancements in technology and mission success.
6. Johnson & Johnson: Johnson & Johnson has implemented TRIZ to drive innovation in healthcare products, improving patient outcomes and streamlining manufacturing processes.

These companies have demonstrated that TRIZ can be a powerful tool for fostering creativity, improving processes, and driving innovation across various industries.

Application with other Methodologies

TRIZ complements other problem-solving methodologies by providing unique perspectives and tools that enhance the overall innovation process. Here’s how TRIZ can work in harmony with other methodologies:

1. Six Sigma: TRIZ can be integrated with Six Sigma to enhance problem-solving capabilities. While Six Sigma focuses on reducing defects and improving quality through statistical analysis, TRIZ offers inventive principles and tools to address complex technical contradictions. This combination leads to more innovative and robust solutions.
2. Lean Manufacturing: Lean focuses on eliminating waste and improving processes. TRIZ can complement Lean by providing inventive solutions to eliminate inefficiencies and enhance value. For example, TRIZ can help resolve contradictions in process improvement, leading to more effective waste reduction strategies.
3. Design Thinking: Design Thinking emphasizes empathy and user-centric solutions. TRIZ can complement this by providing systematic tools to overcome technical challenges and contradictions identified during the ideation phase. This synergy ensures that innovative solutions are both user-friendly and technically feasible.
4. Agile Methodology: Agile promotes iterative development and flexibility. TRIZ can enhance Agile by offering inventive solutions to technical problems that arise during sprints. TRIZ’s systematic approach to problem-solving can help Agile teams quickly find innovative solutions and maintain project momentum.
5. Root Cause Analysis (RCA): RCA identifies underlying causes of problems. TRIZ can complement RCA by providing inventive principles to address and eliminate root causes. This combination ensures that solutions are not only effective but also innovative and sustainable.
6. PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act): TRIZ can be integrated into the PDCA cycle to enhance continuous improvement efforts. During the planning phase, TRIZ tools can be used to identify innovative solutions. In the “Do” and “Check” phases, TRIZ can help resolve any contradictions that arise, leading to more effective implementation and evaluation.
7. Brainstorming and Ideation Techniques: TRIZ can be used alongside traditional brainstorming techniques to enhance creativity. While brainstorming generates a wide range of ideas, TRIZ provides systematic tools to evaluate and refine these ideas, leading to more innovative and practical solutions.

By integrating TRIZ with these methodologies, organizations can benefit from a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to problem-solving and innovation. This synergy ensures that solutions are not only efficient and effective but also inventive and transformative.

Summary

TRIZ stands as a cornerstone of innovation due to its structured, systematic approach to problem-solving. By identifying and eliminating contradictions without compromise, TRIZ fosters radical innovation and streamlines the creative process. Its comprehensive toolkit, including the 40 inventive principles, 39 parameters, the Ideal Final Result (IFR), and evolutionary patterns, provides a robust framework that can be applied across various industries, making it universally applicable.

The methodology’s success is evidenced by its implementation in leading companies such as Samsung, Boeing, HP, Intel, Siemens, Emerson Electric, Motorola, NASA, and Johnson & Johnson. These organizations have leveraged TRIZ to achieve significant improvements in product design, process efficiency, and overall innovation, leading to substantial returns on investment.

Furthermore, TRIZ complements other problem-solving methodologies like Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Design Thinking, Agile, Root Cause Analysis, and the PDCA Cycle. By integrating TRIZ with these methodologies, organizations can enhance their innovation capabilities, driving both incremental and breakthrough improvements.

In essence, TRIZ provides a powerful, systematic approach to solving complex problems and expediting innovation. Its universal applicability, coupled with its ability to complement other methodologies, makes it an invaluable and disruptive asset for any organization seeking to improvement its profitability and market share with new groundbreaking products and services.

Introducing TRIZ to management, R&D departments and to your strategic planning groups is a worthwhile investment to increase your company’s future and profitability. Providing your people with the tools that they need will pay great dividends.