This article introduces TRIZ, a fascinating solution-strategy invented by Genrich Altshuller. TRIZ is an acronym built from the Russian name of the solution-strategy. Translated into English, TRIZ stands for ‘the theory of inventive problem solving.’
I came into contact with TRIZ when I worked at Invention Machine Corporation in Boston, MA. I am not a practitioner of TRIZ, just an admirer. TRIZ is a solution-strategy with global reach. The students of Genrich Altshuller have in turn taught their students. Tools based on the TRIZ model are operated by consultants who deliver solutions to a broad range of industries.
Frame of Reference promotes the use of more than one solution-strategy, and that you always look for bigger problems to solve. This blog has briefly discussed brainstorming and the scientific method as relatively simple solution-strategies that are commonly used to solve business and social problems. TRIZ is an advanced solution-strategy that has been applied to complex engineering and product development problems. The empirical foundation of TRIZ was an exhaustive study of tens of thousands of patents by Genrich Altshuller. He distilled the inventive aspects of patents down to a set of core principles – the inventive essentials. Once he had an understanding of the core principles, he could apply them to develop new inventions, or to improve on old ones. As society evolved into the information age, these principles have been embedded in software applications, further accelerating creativity and innovation.
My goal with the TRIZ article series is to present you, a thought leader, with snapshots of various aspects of TRIZ. TRIZ is an excellent example of a mature, advanced solution-strategy, and therefore appropriate for presentation on the Frame of Reference blog. You will not learn TRIZ here, you will learn about it. I will present links to resources that will help you to satisfy your curiosity about TRIZ. If TRIZ is a solution-strategy for a problem you are trying to solve, you should be able to find your way to expert TRIZ practitioners.
My hope is that companies delivering solutions based on TRIZ will provide content to the Frame of Reference blog so that you can find your way to them more easily. If you would like to join the discussion, please subscribe to the RSS feed, and feel free to leave comments. I will begin to post articles in the TRIZ series shortly.
©2009, Chris Fillebrown, All Rights Reserved
Related posts:
- Genrich Altshuller Teaches TRIZ
- Solution-Strategies In The Classroom
- Sergei Ikovenko – Systematic Innovation & TRIZ
- A Solution-Strategy Approach To Solving Problems
- TRIZ – Part 1
- More Than One Solution-Strategy
- Directions In Solution-Strategies
- Genrich Altshuller Teaching TRIZ 2 of 6
- Genrich Altshuller Teaching TRIZ 4 of 6
- Genrich Altshuller Teaching TRIZ 5 of 6