How can you use TRIZ to improve product design?

1 What is TRIZ?

TRIZ is a systematic approach to finding creative and effective solutions to technical problems. TRIZ is based on the analysis of millions of patents and inventions, and it identifies 40 inventive principles, 39 engineering parameters, and 76 standard solutions that can help you overcome contradictions and trade-offs in your design. TRIZ also provides tools such as the contradiction matrix, the ideal final result, and the substance-field analysis to help you apply these principles and solutions to your specific problem.

2 How can TRIZ help you improve product design?

TRIZ can help you improve your product design by identifying the root cause and core contradiction of your problem, generating multiple and diverse ideas for solving it, and evaluating and selecting the best ideas. For instance, you can use the principle of segmentation to break down your product into smaller parts or the principle of asymmetry to change its shape or orientation. Additionally, you can use criteria such as the ideal final result, the degree of innovation, and the feasibility to compare and rank your ideas. Ultimately, TRIZ can help you find ways to resolve contradictions without compromising either parameter and select the ideas that are closest to your desired outcome.

3 How can you use TRIZ in your product design process?

TRIZ can be utilized in any stage of a product design process, from defining the problem to prototyping and testing the solution. A common way to use TRIZ is by following four steps: defining the problem with a clear and concise statement that includes relevant information; analyzing the problem with TRIZ tools such as the contradiction matrix, ideal final result, and substance-field analysis; generating ideas with TRIZ principles and solutions, such as the 40 inventive principles and 76 standard solutions; and evaluating and selecting ideas with TRIZ criteria such as ideal final result, degree of innovation, and feasibility. Combinations and variations of these principles can be used to explore different scenarios. A matrix or scorecard can help compare and rank ideas according to criteria.