What is TRIZ?

TRIZ (pronounced “trees”) is a problem-solving methodology that originated in the Soviet Union. It stands for “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving” and was developed by the engineer and inventor Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues in the 1940s and 1950s.

The main goal of TRIZ is to help people solve problems and come up with creative solutions by using a structured approach. It is based on the idea that there are certain patterns or principles that can be identified in the way that people solve problems and come up with new ideas. By identifying these patterns and principles, it is possible to develop a systematic approach to problem-solving that can be applied to a wide range of situations.

One of the key tools used in TRIZ is the “Contradiction Matrix,” which is a table that helps people identify the root cause of a problem by looking at the opposing forces or conflicting requirements that are involved in the situation. Other tools and techniques used in TRIZ include the “Ideality Index,” which helps people evaluate the efficiency of different solutions, and the “Innovation Principles,” which are a set of guiding principles that can be used to generate new ideas.

There are many different applications for TRIZ, including product development, process improvement, and innovation management. It is used by businesses and organizations around the world to help them solve complex problems and come up with new ideas.

The 40 principles of TRIZ are a set of guidelines for coming up with creative solutions to problems. They were developed by Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues as part of the TRIZ methodology. Here is a brief summary of the 40 principles:

1. Segmentation: breaking a system into smaller parts
2. Taking out: removing an element from a system
3. Local quality: improving a specific part or element of a system
4. Asymmetry: changing the shape of a system to be uneven or asymmetrical
5. Merging: combining two or more elements into a single one
6. Universality: finding a single solution that can be used in many different systems
7. Nesting: using a small version of a system within a larger one
8. Counterweight: using a weight or force to balance out another force
9. Pneumatics and hydraulics: using pressurized gas or liquid to power a system
10. Flexibility: making a system flexible or adaptable
11. Inversion: turning a system upside down or reversing its operation
12. Mechanics substitution: replacing a mechanical system with a pneumatic or hydraulic one
13. Elasticity: making a system flexible or elastic
14. Thermal expansion: using changes in temperature to alter the shape or size of a system
15. Magnetic materials: using magnetic materials to affect a system
16. Piezoelectric materials: using pressure to generate electricity and vice versa
17. Shape memory materials: using materials that can remember their original shape
18. Non-magnetic materials: using materials that are not magnetic
19. Color changes: using changes in color to indicate changes in a system
20. Changing the size of a system: making a system larger or smaller
21. Changing the surface properties: altering the roughness, smoothness, or other surface properties of a system
22. Homogeneity: making a system more uniform or consistent
23. Heterogeneity: making a system more diverse or varied
24. Discarding and recovering: removing and then restoring an element in a system
25. Parameter changes: altering the parameters or variables of a system
26. Weakness: exploiting a weakness or deficiency in a system
27. Unconventional layout: changing the arrangement or layout of a system
28. Spatial separation: separating elements of a system in space
29. Temporal separation: separating elements of a system in time
30. Changing the condition of a system: altering the temperature, pressure, or other conditions of a system
31. Phase transitions: using changes in the phase of a material to affect a system
32. Changing the physical state: altering the solid, liquid, or gaseous state of a material
33. Chemical reactions: using chemical reactions to affect a system
34. Structural changes: altering the structure or makeup of a system
35. Thermal expansion: using changes in temperature to alter the shape or size of a system
36. Increasing the degree of freedom: adding more degrees of freedom to a system
37. Decreasing the degree of freedom: reducing the number of degrees of freedom in a system
38. Dynamism: making a system more dynamic or active
39. Partial or excessive actions: using more or less of an action than is necessary
40. Context: changing the context or environment in which a system operates

These principles are meant to be used as a toolkit, and it is up to the problem-solver to decide which principles are most relevant and useful for a given problem. It is also important to note that the principles are not meant to be applied in a rigid or formulaic way, but rather to serve as compass.

If you want to read more about TRIZ , you can start reading TRIZ for Dummies Book : https://www.amazon.com/TRIZ-Dummies-Lilly-Haines-Gadd/dp/1119107474