TRIZ is a systematic approach to solving problems. It was invented by Soviet inventor Genrich Altshuller and his colleagues, starting in 1946.

Altschuller reviewed 40,000 patents to determine the principles that were used for the inventions. As a result, he developed 40 principles of invention, coupled with a Contradictions Matrix. These are just a few of the suite of tools used in TRIZ.

One of the key methods in TRIZ is to find and eliminate contradictions where there is often a tradeoff to be made. For example, maybe you would like to increase one feature while decreasing another, or you want your umbrella to be large but small at the same time. 

In his video, Valeri Souchkov, certified TRIZ master and systematic innovation expert, introduces TRIZ, its history, its elements, and modern extensions to form xTRIX. 

Two of the 40 inventive principles are used in Valeri’s video: Segmentation and Dynamization

  • Segmentation: Divide or assemble your object from segments
  • Dynamization: Increase the degree of freedom of system parts

Altshuller also developed technology profiles, whereby any system evolves over time through infancy, growth, maturity, and decline. The development and evolution of the camera is an example.

These technology profiles provide forecasts for product development.

Classical TRIZ is immensely powerful. But Souchkov further extends it into what he calls xTRIZ, which “organizes a process of moving from an initial situation to solutions evaluation and selection.”

Xtriz includes the following to address problematic situations:

  • Analysis of Ill-Defined Situations
  • Elimination of Negative Effects
  • Increasing Performance
  • Innovative Costs Reduction
  • Increasing Usability
  • Technology and Solution Diversification
  • Evolution Forecast
  • Identifying (Hidden) Customer Demands
  • Ideas and Solutions Evaluation

You can watch Valeri’s introductory video here:

 

After watching the video, you may be interested in more information. There is much to be found on the internet.

The TRIZ Journal website, for example, presents a wealth of free resources for learning about and applying TRIZ in a variety of environments. The TRIZ Journal lists the 40 inventive principles.