What is TRIZ?
TRIZ and Computer Aided Innovation: what do they mean?
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Updated June 13, 1998
TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
The word TRIZ is an acronym built from Russian words "Teorija Rezhenija Izobretatelīskich
Zadach". The English translation is the Theory of the Solution of Inventive Problems - TIPS.
TRIZ is actually a branch of science, or a disciple that studies engineering systems.
What is TRIZ all about?
- TRIZ improves the early design stages between customer needs and embodiment design
- TRIZ provides tools for product and process developers and for technology managers
- TRIZ is based on the evolution trends of technology
You can find good reviews on TRIZ in the Internet:
- What is TRIZ?, TRIZ Journal, go to
TRIZ Journal (www.triz-journal.com)
- V. Sushkov. Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, go to
Sushkov's WWW Page
(wwwis.cs.utwente.nl:8080/~sushkov/)
- S. Savransky. The Methodology of Inventive Problem Solving, go to
Savransky's WWW Page
(www.jps.net/triz/triz0000.htm)
In paper format are available books:
- G. Altshuller. And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared
- Tools of Classical TRIZ
Computer Aided Innnovation
Invention Machine (trademark of Invention Machine Corporation) is the most widely used
software developed on the basis of TRIZ. In summer 1997 IMC released the SW package
TechOptimizer Professional edition, and later in 1997 IM-Phenomenon. In 1998 were
released TechOptimizer Professional Edition 3.0 and 3.01, in 1999 Knowledge and
Innovation Server.
Why TRIZ?
TRIZ removes two bottlenecks of design: problem finding and idea generation.
For the detailed, embodiment design CAD, Rapid Prototyping and other highly
sophisticated tools are available. The importance of market research is accepted.
But the area between needs and detailed design has so far been weakly developed.
TRIZ builds the bridge between the market and the "exact" design:
| OLD WAY | NEW WAY |
| Customer needs | Customer needs |
| - - - - - - - - - | Problem statement |
| - - - - - - - - - | Conceptual design |
| Detailed design | Detailed design |
TRIZ improves the innovative stage of development, and so triggers quantum leaps in
quality and cost-efficiency, and allows to shorten time-to-market.
What is new in TRIZ?
Three main points make the difference:
- The contradiction is clarified and emphasized, not avoided
- The goal is the Ideal Final Result, not a compromise
- The trends of Evolution are seen as the base of design tools,
the development of technology is not considered as random process
Benefits
The most important benefits resulting from introduction of TRIZ and CAI:
- Better ideas and designs
- Finding "better" problems
- Better innovation management, better technology management
- Lower cost of product development
- Shorter design cycle, shorter time to market
- More effective knowledge creation
- Better predictions
- New mindset and mentality
kalevi.rantanen@kolumbus.fi
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