What is TRIZ? Theory of Inventive Problem Solving with Practical Applications

visheshnamdev72

Sunday, 2025-08-17

When it comes to problem-solving, most of us rely on brainstorming, trial and error, or intuition. While these methods sometimes work, they often leave us stuck in familiar patterns of thinking. That’s where TRIZ comes in—a structured, systematic way of approaching problems that pushes us beyond the obvious solutions.

What is TRIZ?

TRIZ (pronounced “trees”) is a Russian acronym for Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch, which translates to “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving.” It was developed by Genrich Altshuller, a Soviet engineer and inventor, in the mid-20th century. Altshuller analyzed thousands of patents and found that innovations weren’t random but followed predictable patterns. From this study, he built TRIZ as a framework to help anyone solve problems creatively and systematically.

At its core, TRIZ focuses on identifying contradictions—situations where improving one aspect of a system seems to worsen another. For example, a smartphone should be lightweight (good for users), but at the same time, it needs a bigger battery (which makes it heavier). TRIZ teaches us to resolve such contradictions without compromise.

How TRIZ Makes Us Think Differently

Traditional problem-solving often accepts trade-offs. TRIZ challenges us to look for “win-win” solutions. It shifts our thinking by asking:

What is the contradiction here?
Has this problem been solved in another industry or context?
Can we adapt that solution to our case?

TRIZ comes with 40 inventive principles—patterns of innovation that reappear across industries. For example:

Segmentation: Break a system into independent parts.
Inversion: Reverse the process or action.
Dynamics: Allow systems to change under different conditions.

By applying these principles, we’re not starting from scratch—we’re tapping into a global library of innovation.

Real-World Examples of TRIZ in Action

Automotive Industry: Car airbags embody TRIZ thinking. They resolve the contradiction of having both comfort (a soft interior) and safety (rigid protection) by introducing an element (the airbag) that appears only when needed.
Smartphones: Foldable phones apply the “segmentation” principle—combining portability with a larger display by splitting the screen into flexible sections.
Healthcare: In minimally invasive surgery, doctors faced the contradiction of needing large incisions for visibility but small ones for patient recovery. TRIZ-inspired solutions led to endoscopes and robotic-assisted tools.

Thinking Like TRIZ in Everyday Life

You don’t need to be an engineer to use TRIZ. Suppose you’re organizing your workspace: you want everything accessible (no clutter) but also neat (minimal items visible). TRIZ suggests segmentation or dynamics—use drawers with dividers or modular shelves that adapt to your needs.

Or imagine a coffee cup that should keep drinks hot but also be comfortable to hold. Instead of compromising with lukewarm coffee, think TRIZ-style: add an insulating layer or a sleeve—solving both sides of the contradiction.

Final Thoughts

TRIZ is more than a toolkit; it’s a mindset. It encourages us to see contradictions not as barriers but as opportunities for innovation. Whether designing cutting-edge technology or solving daily challenges, TRIZ trains us to ask better questions and find smarter answers.