Collection
Resolve the contradiction instead of polishing the compromise
Turn difficult design and process problems into explicit contradictions, separations, resource maps, function models and reframings drawn from the practical TRIZ toolkit.
14 elements · Explore in any order.
2 checklists · 4 heuristics · 8 protocols
14 elements
Name what improves and what gets worse
A trade-off becomes easier to invent around once both sides are written as variables instead of complaints.
Read the idea ProtocolTurn the conflict into one thing that must be opposite ways
The stronger question is sometimes not 'how much of each?' but 'when must the same thing be both?'
Read the idea HeuristicSeparate opposite requirements in time
Two incompatible requirements can coexist if they stop competing for the same time slot.
Read the idea HeuristicSeparate opposite requirements in space
The whole system does not have to be uniform just because the requirement was written in one sentence.
Read the idea HeuristicSeparate opposite requirements by condition
The answer may be 'both,' provided the system knows when each one applies.
Read the idea ProtocolShrink the problem to the operating zone
Do not redesign the building when the conflict happens at one doorway.
Read the idea ChecklistInventory resources already present before adding a new one
The cheapest missing component may already be present under a different job title.
Read the idea ProtocolMap which component performs which function on what
Architecture boxes tell you what exists. Function links tell you what the boxes are doing to each other.
Read the idea ProtocolTrim a component and reassign its useful function
Removing a component is easy; removing its job is the actual design problem.
Read the idea ProtocolLook at the problem through nine windows
A problem can look permanent when you inspect only the middle square.
Read the idea ProtocolFollow the cause chain until you reach a changeable contradiction
'Human error' and 'system complexity' are endpoints only if you intend to fix nothing.
Read the idea HeuristicMove the problem boundary outward when the local frame is stuck
Sometimes the component cannot solve the problem because the useful resource lives one level above it.
Read the idea ProtocolUse inventive principles after the contradiction is clear
A creativity prompt works better when it is aimed at a named conflict.
Read the idea ChecklistCheck what the solution does to neighboring systems
A solved local contradiction can export its cost next door.
Read the idea