TRIZ - the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving

Abstract

TRIZ is the theory of inventive problem solving (TIPS). It was elaborated by a research team led by H. S. Altszuller after a statistical analysis of more than 40,000 patents that sought to identify patterns of innovative solutions. In contrast to the trial-and-error method, TRIZ, thanks to its ability to bypass faulty concepts, allows for the optimal solution to be found in a more effective way. TRIZ's main feature is that it overcomes psychological inertia ("inertia's vector") resulting from habits, education and experience. Commonly considered an engineering method, TRIZ is becoming more and more popular among researchers in nearly all scientific fields, including representatives of the social sciences and economy.