TRIZ (40 Inventive Principles)

Overview

TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving), developed by Soviet engineer Genrich Altshuller from analyzing 200,000 patents, codifies 40 universal principles used to solve technical contradictions. Rather than brainstorming randomly, TRIZ uses a contradiction matrix to suggest which principles apply to specific engineering trade-offs.

When to Use

• Facing engineering contradictions (improving X worsens Y)
• Stuck after conventional solutions fail
• Designing products with conflicting requirements
• Need systematic innovation vs. random ideation
• Optimizing complex technical systems
• Breaking through "impossible" trade-offs

The Process

Step 1: Define the Contradiction

Identify the technical parameters in conflict. TRIZ recognizes 39 engineering parameters (weight, speed, strength, cost, reliability, etc.). State: "I want to improve X, but it worsens Y."

Example: "I want to increase airplane speed (parameter: velocity), but it increases fuel consumption (parameter: energy use)."