“Triz” (G.S. Altshuller)

Main idea and its purpose

TRIZ, which stands for Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, is a problem-solving methodology developed by Genrikh Saulovich Altshuller. The purpose of TRIZ is to provide a structured approach for solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions. The methodology is based on the idea that all technical problems have already been solved in some way, and that solutions to new problems can be found by studying existing solutions and patterns.

Scope of application, for example, when working with a group of a certain age and composition; in individual work, etc.

The ultimate goal of TRIZ is to help individuals and organizations develop a systematic and repeatable approach to problem-solving that leads to innovative and effective solutions. By using TRIZ, individuals can become more efficient and effective problem-solvers, and organizations can develop a culture of innovation that helps them stay competitive and adapt to changing environments.

Application guidance 

TRIZ consists of a set of tools and techniques for analysing problems, identifying contradictions, and generating innovative solutions. These tools include the Contradiction Matrix - In TRIZ Matrix terminology a problem is often called a contradiction - which helps identify and resolve contradictions in a problem (TRIZ Matrix, Contradictions table, overcome contradiction with TRIZ (triz40.com)), and the 40 Inventive Principles, which provide a set of guidelines for generating new ideas and solutions.

The results of applying the method, for example, increasing the ability to go beyond standard solutions, etc.

The TRIZ matrix is applied to generate alternative solutions. As this is a systematic way to think about issues and get a hint about the most plausible solutions, these solutions are highly plausible because many of these solutions have been successfully implemented in the past and are therefore tried and tested with time. With the help of the TRIZ Matrix, one can first develop multiple solutions. This will help with the rational process of evaluating all the possible solutions and then coming up with the most feasible one.

Instructions for combining creativity methods

  • 1. Determine the goal

    Determine why you want to use creative methods in your work and for whom, that is, what is the purpose, goals, meanings, audience, for whom it is happening.

  • 2. Read

    Read the description of the methods and recommendations for their use.

  • 3. Choose

    Choose those that best suit your purpose and tasks. When choosing methods, pay attention to the fact that they can be conditionally divided into several groups:● procedural, those that help answer the question HOW TO DO IT? How to optimize the process? How to do the process differently?● horizontal, those that answer the question WHO? WITH WHO? FOR WHOM? This is about the distribution of responsibility, and about clarifying the interests, association or for whom we are doing it.● vertical, those related to WHY? WHAT IS A PURPOSE? WHAT IS THE MAIN? It is about clarifying the hierarchy in the structure, the essence of the problem and its solution, what it consists of and what one wants to achieve.

  • 4. Make it specific

    Add the missing aspect to the vector. Depending on the task, one of the vectors will be the main one, and the other 2 will be auxiliary.● For example, you need to start the learning process in a different, new way: you choose the most suitable methods for your task and audience, and add methods for vertical and horizontal questions. This will add specificity towards the goal of this process and the distribution of tasks for everyone in the process, will help determine who and what it will be useful for. This creates a habit of thinking in different directions and structuring the process.● For example, the "Blooming Lotus" method allows you to determine the vertical vector, disassemble the problem into components, detail it by seeing the entire system of the problem at the same time, show the connections between different elements and find a solution for each element separately. If we add a horizontal and procedural layer of questions from the SCAMPER method, adding and concentrating on what is still missing, what can be added, what aspect has not yet been revealed, then we will get an even more complete picture and a solution that will cover the maximum fields of the same problem.

  • 5. Сombine methods

    Find and add polar aspects. You can combine methods that are more structural with playful ones based on the principle of combining polarities. This can make the process emotional but also structured at the same time. Yes, you can first choose the method that, in your opinion, is most suitable for your problem and task, then immediately determine the one that you would rather not use, which highlights the opposite sides. Moreover, your determined polarity can be conditional, that is, you yourself can determine what is polar in your case, what is the opposite. ● For example, if in one method there is a lot about the connections between elements, their detailed description, diving into the essence of details, then choosing a method that will consider the system of the problem from above, the whole whole, the system as a separate element in the environment around it, this will add scaling in finding a solution.

  • 6. Application time

     Different methods require different periods of time when applied. When combining methods, it is better to take this into account by adding a simpler and time-limited method to a method that is time-consuming and more difficult to use.

  • 7. Calibrate the original purpose

    During the whole process, calibrate from time to time with the original purpose, goals, meaning for what it all happens and for whom, because in the exciting creative space it can be easy to lose the axis on which the whole process should rest.

  • 8. Experiment

    Having created a combination of methods, it is important to experiment and be ready for changes and adaptation of the newly created to the needs, goals and tasks even more, because during the approbation we can just see the fact that was not taken into account. Here we can go back to points 4 and 5, adding aspects that are missing.● Note: try to feel the process, be present in it as much as possible, and allow imperfection and something spontaneous to arise, because the marker of novelty is your surprise, expansion of space and emergence of unexpected details, solutions, ideas.

Instructions for combining creativity methods

  • 1. Determine the goal

    Determine why you want to use creative methods in your work and for whom, that is, what is the purpose, goals, meanings, audience, for whom it is happening.

  • 2. Read

    Read the description of the methods and recommendations for their use.

  • 5. Сombine methods

    Find and add polar aspects. You can combine methods that are more structural with playful ones based on the principle of combining polarities. This can make the process emotional but also structured at the same time. Yes, you can first choose the method that, in your opinion, is most suitable for your problem and task, then immediately determine the one that you would rather not use, which highlights the opposite sides. Moreover, your determined polarity can be conditional, that is, you yourself can determine what is polar in your case, what is the opposite. ● For example, if in one method there is a lot about the connections between elements, their detailed description, diving into the essence of details, then choosing a method that will consider the system of the problem from above, the whole whole, the system as a separate element in the environment around it, this will add scaling in finding a solution.

  • 6. Application time

    Different methods require different periods of time when applied. When combining methods, it is better to take this into account by adding a simpler and time-limited method to a method that is time-consuming and more difficult to use.

  • 3. Choose

    Choose those that best suit your purpose and tasks. When choosing methods, pay attention to the fact that they can be conditionally divided into several groups:● procedural, those that help answer the question HOW TO DO IT? How to optimize the process? How to do the process differently?● horizontal, those that answer the question WHO? WITH WHO? FOR WHOM? This is about the distribution of responsibility, and about clarifying the interests, association or for whom we are doing it.● vertical, those related to WHY? WHAT IS A PURPOSE? WHAT IS THE MAIN? It is about clarifying the hierarchy in the structure, the essence of the problem and its solution, what it consists of and what one wants to achieve.

  • 4. Make it specific

    Add the missing aspect to the vector. Depending on the task, one of the vectors will be the main one, and the other 2 will be auxiliary.● For example, you need to start the learning process in a different, new way: you choose the most suitable methods for your task and audience, and add methods for vertical and horizontal questions. This will add specificity towards the goal of this process and the distribution of tasks for everyone in the process, will help determine who and what it will be useful for. This creates a habit of thinking in different directions and structuring the process.● For example, the "Blooming Lotus" method allows you to determine the vertical vector, disassemble the problem into components, detail it by seeing the entire system of the problem at the same time, show the connections between different elements and find a solution for each element separately. If we add a horizontal and procedural layer of questions from the SCAMPER method, adding and concentrating on what is still missing, what can be added, what aspect has not yet been revealed, then we will get an even more complete picture and a solution that will cover the maximum fields of the same problem.

  • 7. Calibrate the original purpose

    During the whole process, calibrate from time to time with the original purpose, goals, meaning for what it all happens and for whom, because in the exciting creative space it can be easy to lose the axis on which the whole process should rest.

  • 8. Experiment

    Having created a combination of methods, it is important to experiment and be ready for changes and adaptation of the newly created to the needs, goals and tasks even more, because during the approbation we can just see the fact that was not taken into account. Here we can go back to points 4 and 5, adding aspects that are missing.● Note: try to feel the process, be present in it as much as possible, and allow imperfection and something spontaneous to arise, because the marker of novelty is your surprise, expansion of space and emergence of unexpected details, solutions, ideas.

Other methods of creativity activation

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Desirable thinking

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List of control questions

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The Phoenix Checklist

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SCAMPER

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The method of "Blooming Lotus"

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The method of fictional characters

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Freewriting

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Dream magazine

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K. Jung's test - 16 associations

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Koberg and Bagnell – „A Universal Traveller“

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Disney Creative Strategy 

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Game perception 

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"TRIZ"

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The method of inversion 

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Transform 

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The reframing matrix

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