How to Use Systematic Inventive Thinking to Solve Complex Problems

When faced with a complex problem, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. However, there are strategies you can use to break down the problem and find innovative solutions. One such strategy is called Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT), which provides a framework for generating creative ideas in a structured way. In this article, we'll explore how to use SIT to solve complex problems and achieve breakthrough results.

What is Systematic Inventive Thinking?

First, let's define what we mean by Systematic Inventive Thinking. SIT is a method of problem-solving that involves breaking down a problem into its constituent parts and systematically manipulating those parts to generate new ideas. There are several key principles that underpin SIT:

• Function follows form: By changing the form or structure of a product or service, you can create new functions or benefits.
• The closed world: By limiting the scope of the problem to a specific set of constraints, you can encourage creative thinking within those constraints.
• The contradiction: By identifying a contradiction or paradox in the problem, you can generate ideas that resolve that contradiction.
• The attribute dependency: By creating a relationship between two previously unrelated attributes, you can generate new ideas.

Applying SIT to complex problems

So how do you apply SIT to a complex problem? Let's walk through a hypothetical example.

Imagine you're a manager at a manufacturing company that produces widgets. Your team has been tasked with reducing the cost of production by 20% without sacrificing quality. This is a complex problem with many moving parts, but you can use SIT to break it down and find innovative solutions.

First, you might use the closed world principle to identify the specific constraints you're working with. For example, you might decide that you can't reduce the number of widgets produced or the quality of the materials used. With those constraints in mind, you can start generating ideas.

Next, you might use the function follows form principle to explore how changing the form of the widget could reduce costs. For example, you might consider making the widget smaller or changing its shape to reduce the amount of raw materials required.

You could also use the attribute dependency principle to find new ways to optimize the production process. For example, you might explore how changes to the timing of different stages of the production process could reduce costs.

Finally, you might use the contradiction principle to identify and resolve any paradoxes in the problem. For example, you might find that reducing the amount of raw materials used leads to a decrease in quality, but by exploring new materials or production methods, you might be able to find a solution that maintains both quality and cost savings.

By using Systematic Inventive Thinking, you can approach complex problems in a structured and creative way. By breaking down the problem into its constituent parts and systematically manipulating those parts, you can generate innovative solutions that might not have been apparent otherwise. So next time you're faced with a tough problem, consider applying SIT to find breakthrough solutions.

If you're interested in seeing how Systematic Inventive Thinking can help you solve complex problems, I'm offering a free demonstration to the first 10 people who reach out to me via direct message. Don't miss this opportunity to see SIT in action and discover how it can benefit you and your organization. Send me a message now to claim your spot!

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