TRIZ (pronounced something like "
trees") is a
methodology which aids in the surmounting of seemingly insurmountable
engineering problems, with regards to a
design or
concept.
Conceptualised by
Russian Genrich S. Altshuller (
1926-
1998) and published in
1956, it is the culmination of many years' research and examination of over 200,000
patents that has been found to truly aid
innovation. Through his research, Altshuller identified several common traits that existed across these patents. Distilled from these are Altshuller's "
40 Principles" of
conflict resolution with regards to engineering issues, based on the
theory that, at the heart of the issue, one of the 40 principles is the key to finding the
solution.
So how does one determine which principle to follow? When charted on a grid, associated with common, objective
characteristics, Altshuller's 40 Principles become his "
TRIZ contradiction matrix". Using this matrix, engineers determine two characteristics for which conflict is making itself known; contained in the spot on the grid where both characteristics reside is the principle which should be examined by the engineers, to find a solution. Using an example from
Andy Raskin's June
2003 article, "A Higher Plane of Problem-Solving", if a team of engineers is having a problem finding the
trade-off between speed versus shape, using the
matrix, they will find that the appropriate principle to apply to this problem is that of property transformation. From there, using this principle as a basis, engineers can work on
alternate solutions that adhere to this concept. While the matrix does not give an outright solution, it gives the participants an idea as to where they might look for one.
Though not very well known in the "west", Alshuller's Matrix has been used in former
Soviet regions for years. Even here, however, it did not achieve widespread usage until
Stalin's death in
1953 and Altshuller's
subsequent release from Soviet
gulags. This said, it has been used in recent years by many a well-known company, including
Ford Motor,
Hewlett-Packard and
Dow Chemical to help solve difficult engineering issues each has encountered.
Altshuller's logical arrangement of his principles has been shown to be a
formidable method of focusing creative energies and fostering engineering solutions; today TRIZ organisations and shops have been springing up in many places around the world. Perhaps the most well-known is the
Altshuller Institute, found on the internet at
http://www.aitriz.org/. Interested readers, engineers or not, can go there to find out more about the
intricacies of TRIZ. Another good website, which lists his 40 Principles, complete with
tangible examples of
solutions, can be found at
http://www.oxfordcreativity.co.uk/40_inventive_principles.htm.
Works Referenced:
- "A Higher Plane of Problem-Solving", Andy Raskin. Business 2.0, June 2003
- Technical Innovation Center webpage: http://www.triz.org
- "Genrich Saulovich Altshuller" (biography): http://www.trizexperts.net/Altshullerbio.htm