an introduction to inventive

problem solving methodology

a
… TRIZ the simple way

© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)

 ever wonder how many ways to solve a problem?

• have you been asked to identify

and fix the root cause of a
problem?

• did the solution optimize the

system or enable a quick fix?

has your boss ever asked you to keep finding ways to reduce or save cost? (to
the extent that we think he is out of his mind … but has he showed you how
to do it in the first place?)

© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)

 what is the best way to solve a problem?

• ever wonder if you have hit a

“traditional block” to problem
solving?

• traditional block - “most of

problems we are trying to solve,
and most paths of solutions
generated are thought to be
already known.”

are you keen to learn the trick to optimize the system to solve a problem and
change it to operate more ideally?

© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)

 why are we making systems operate more ideally?
the trick or concept is making a system operate more IDEALLY

let’s take a look at the basic definition of value:

functionality `
value =
cost + harm
if a system is to operate in an ideal stage, then the system must act at its pure
function without occupying space, has no weight, requires no labor or
maintenance and delivers the benefit without any harm.

1 key function
value = = ideal
0 cost + 0 harm

final result: it has all the benefits and none of the cost or harm
“an ideal system is no system!". it means that some other existing system is
performing the function of this system and this system need not exist any more.

With this concept in mind, let’s us introduce you to TRIZ

4
© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)
 TRIZ

• pronounced as “treez”
• TRIZ stands for
in russian “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatel’skikh Zadach”
in english “the theory of inventive problem solving”

all innovations emerge from the application of a very small

number of inventive principles and strategies.

© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)

 what is TRIZ?
1 structured process
2 best practices
3 reliable & repeatable
© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)
• use algorithms to enhance creativity
through the scientific application of
methods and principles
• used in solving complex technical
problems and assist in generating more
higher quality solutions in less time
• represents the distillation of the best
practices of successful inventors and
problem solvers from across many fields
of human invention
• relies on proven knowledge that has
been applied time and again throughout
mankind’s history
• provide the innovator with reliable and
repeatable results - results that do not
depend on personal creative ability or
psychological techniques such as
brainstorming
• promote reuse of innovation principles
and strategies
 when did TRIZ start?
• 1946 - present: originated in the work of Genrikh Altshuller in
Russia

derived from analysis of more than 200,000 world wide patents

problem solvers combine their knowledge with the knowledge of
thousands of “silent” inventors - synthesized down to just 40,000
innovative patents
• key discoveries:
1. problems and solutions were repeated across industries & sciences
2. patterns of technical evolution were repeated across industries & sciences
3. innovations used scientific effects outside the field where they were developed

after 50 years of research analyzing patents now estimated to be over

2.8 million worldwide patents, these principles and trends have been
found effective and consistent for application in multiple disciplines

© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)

 how is TRIZ different?
structured problem solving methodology
cause & effects analysis possible solutions
• reduce human touch - automate
manufacturing process
• improve machine utilization –
reduce downtime
glasses • use lower cost materials for lower cost
lenses, frame and screws glasses
• reduce lenses & frame size and
thickness
incremental improvement within the system

inventive problem solving methodology (TRIZ)

components & function apply inventive
analysis principles
glass – correct vision plastic – correct vision

frame – hold glass frame – hold glass

glasses
screws – hold frame screws – hold frame contact lens

innovative improvement by changing the system

© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)

 what are the things to watch out?

it is complex …
it is tedious … but it is innovative, repetitive and systematic!
it is hard work …

how did thomas edison solve his problems?

he did more than 6,000 experiments to invent carbon light-
bulb filament

he did 10,296 experiments to invent nickel/iron battery

“genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)

 in summary, TRIZ is …
• an approach to directing the development of new products and
processes
• systematic and predictable methodology for data-based creativity
and innovation
• way of pointing out multiple potential solution paths and concepts
for solutions

Now Next Soon Later Way Hey, who

out knows?
© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ)
 thank you

fora more information … please contact:

dr ts yeoh (ts.yeoh@intel.com)
eng hoo tan (tanenghoo@mdec.com.my)

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incidentally to some other use of this publication) without written permission of malaysia TRIZ
association (myTRIZ) except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1987.

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© 2010 malaysia TRIZ association (myTRIZ) claim for damages and criminal prosecution.