Basic TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving)

A powerful problem-solving method, TRIZ relies on the study of patterns of problems and solutions to overcome barriers and derive creative solutions. Formerly used by researchers and scientists, today TRIZ is used by companies every day to generate new ideas, improve customer insight, solve problems faster, forecast technologies, track product evolution, develop intellectual property, build stronger patents, improve new product success, streamline resources, and generally save time and money.

This course is an intensive introduction to the foundational elements of TRIZ, covering such topics as the Ideal Final Result (IFR), the use of resources to maximize effectiveness within a system, and the idea of contradiction elimination as the primary driver of human progress and innovation in business.

A unique hallmark of this course is that it doesn’t teach TRIZ as a detached system or set of tools but as part of a larger problem solving context so participants understand, for instance, when one needs a TRIZ tool versus a Six Sigma tool versus a creative thinking technique.

Additionally, relative to university-based alternatives, this course has a definite applied focus, making it much more valuable to those with an imperative to solve specific problems or make product, process and business innovations in real organizations on a more pervasive scale.

Participants are encouraged to bring problems and contradictions from their organizations to class. Whether you’re from a manufacturing, service, transactional, healthcare or research environment, instructors are experienced in applying TRIZ in all of these domains and challenge participants to extract the most value from the learning experience.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain TRIZ as a problem-solving methodology.
• Define the levels of innovation and explain their importance.
• Understand and explain psychological inertia.
• Identify and define problems in terms of contradictions.
• Resolve contradictions using the contradiction matrix theory, separation principles and the system approach.
• Create a function model of a system and use it for contradiction identification and resolution.
• Explain and use Polovinkin’s heuristics.
• Understand and practice a number of key TRIZ elements, such as:
• Zones of conflict
• Functional Analysis
• System Constraints
• The Ideal Final Result & Ideality
• The Utilization of Resources

Who is this training and education appropriate for?

• Anyone with a problem they haven’t satisfactorily resolved.
• Designers, engineers, R&D professionals and managers involved in product development or process-based problem solving.
• Candidates enrolled in Lean Methods Group Master Black Belt development program.
• Those from companies that want to accelerate problem solving and streamline the innovation process.

Course Outline

Day One

• Foundations
• Introduction & Agenda
• Introduction to TRIZ
• Psychological Inertia
• TRIZ Analysis Techniques
• Ideality
• Ideal Final Result
• Resources
• Simulations

Day Two

• TRIZ Analysis Techniques
• Nine Screens
• Functional Analysis
• TRIZ Database Techniques
• Technical Contradictions and Inventive Principles
• Simulations

Day Three

• TRIZ Database Techniques
• Physical Contradictions
• Contradiction Conversion
• Scientific Effects
• Su-Field Modeling and Innovation Strategies
• Simulations

Day Four

• TRIZ Database Techniques
• Technology Trends and Evolution
• Patent Bullet-Proofing
• Case Studies
• Simulations

Day Five

• Algorithm of Inventive Problem Solving (ARIZ)
• Hands-On Inventive Problem Solving
• Wrap-Up

What other materials are included? 
Insourcing Innovation: How to Achieve Competitive Excellence Using TRIZ, by David Silverstein 

Required Material: A laptop computer

Prerequisites: 

• Pre-reading
• Problems for in-class use