An Introduction to TRIZ
Innovation-TRIZ and Involvement Systems
Jack Hipple and Mark Reeves
World Leaders in Innovation Practices

TRIZ is...
· Pronounced "trees" and an abbreviation for the Russian acronym for the "Solving of Inventive Problems".
· A method for solving inventive problems where there is no obvious solution and where there is at least one major contradiction that appears to be unresolvable.

What is TRIZ?
· A method for solving technical problems based upon studies of the world's most inventive patents.
· A superior method for defining both technical and organizational problems in a way that clearly shows the most productive areas for concentrated effort.
· A process for producting both innovative and exhaustive solution set.
· A process which takes the luck and guesswork out of creativity and invention.

Principles of TRIZ Problem Solving
· Push a system to ideality without compromising.
· Resolve contradictions that appear to be unresolvable through the use of normal problem solving techniques.
· Find unobvious resources for problem solutions.
· Predict routes for system failures through a "reverse ideality" process called Anticipatory Failure Determination™, predicts routes for system failures.
· Particularly effective compared to HAZOP and FEMA.
· Identify next generation of a product or a process through the Lines of Evolution.

How do you Start with this New Tool?
· Complete the Innovation Situation Questionnaire™.
    *Use new problem definition concepts to scope your problem in a unique way.
    *Many times, these initial steps alone will provide breakthrough ideas.
· Develop the Problem Formulator Diagram™ in a group setting.
    *A unique graphical problem formulation and questionnaire sets up the problem for solution.
    *The act of putting the functional analysis diagram together provides significant insight within the problem solving team.

Problem Formulator™ Diagram
With four types of links--
1. "Provides" something good (green solid)
2. "Eliminates" something bad (green w/cross line)
3. "Causes" something bad (red solid)
4. "Hinders" something good (red/w/cross line)

It is possible to diagram and analyze any type of problem, technical or non-technical.

A Simple Example

This is a simple example of a diagram for the soldering of an integrated circuit.

It shows the one primary contradiction (heating provides something good--melting of solder, as well as something bad--damage to the integrated circuit). Contradictions are easy to identify by seeing a box which has a green and red arrow exiting.

What's the Next Step?

• Push one button and the patented software algorithm instantaneously generates an exhaustive solution path list.
• The group analyzes and prioritizes output.
• If it's a technical problem, the Innovation Workbench™ software takes the Problem Formulator™ output and generates unique ideas from the group through the presentation of previously solved problems involving the same technical issues.
• If it's a non-technical problem you are dealing with, the solution path list will generate new ideas based simply on your knowledge of human resources and organizational development principles.
• This technique will generate more ideas focused on your problem than any other tool or process.
• The group sorts, prioritizes, and plans action after discussion and analysis.
• The facilitator ensures proper consideration of all solution paths suggested by the analysis.

Our Experience Shows--

• This technique will generate new concepts of solutions that will not be found by months of investigation by those closely involved in the problem.
• It will outperform other tools such as brainstorming, Lateral Thinking and Six Hats, but can also add significantly to them if already used.
• This process will usually produce results not identified by experienced consultants in any given field.
• It's like having thousands of the world's most experienced inventors in the room with you!

What we add to the Basics of TRIZ

• Adds its extensive knowledge of organizational development and human resources to greatly expand the impact of the basic TRIZ methodology and the use of TRIZ software.
• Unique facilitation skills to a group setting so that you get the most out of your TRIZ problem solving session.

Let us Show you how Innovation-TRIZ can work for you!!

• 1 day introductory training seminar.
• 2 to 4 day problem solving sessions--separated in time if necessary.
• Software and methodology training.
• Let us show you how to integrate this with your existing business processes and problem solving tools!
• Put the inventive knowledge of the world to work for you!

The Total Innovation Process

• Our consulting business revolves around helping clients institutionalize innovation in a permanent way.
• We consider both the technical aspects of innovation as well as the human side.
• We have worked for many major clients including Kraft, Mead Paper, M&M Mars, Dresser Rand, Rohm and Haas, Tenneco, Mobil, BP/Amoco, GATX Rail, Heidelberg Digital, Bank of Montreal, Dow Chemical, U.S. Navy, S.C. Johnson, MEMC, Western NY TDO, AAIM Management Association, Caterpillar, Badger Meter, Corning, and Bausch and Lomb.