Protocol
Turn 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?'
When it fits
- A technical contradiction seems to demand a compromise between two linked requirements.
When to avoid it
- Do not invent artificial opposites when the real problem is simply choosing among unrelated objectives.
Why it matters
Identify the critical element and state the physical contradiction: it must have property A to satisfy one requirement and not-A to satisfy the other. This reframing can reveal separation strategies that a compromise hides. Keep the opposite properties tied to concrete conditions.
Steps
- One element carries two genuinely opposing requirements that can be explored through separation rather than averaging.
An example
A production change mechanism must be fast enough for frequent releases and slow enough to expose defects before wide rollout.
Check your result
One element carries two genuinely opposing requirements that can be explored through separation rather than averaging.
Keep this limit in mind
- Do not invent artificial opposites when the real problem is simply choosing among unrelated objectives.
Connected ideas
Useful withSeparate opposite requirements in timeUseful with
Separate opposite requirements in spaceUseful with
Separate opposite requirements by condition
Evidence and sources
TRIZ defines a physical contradiction as a situation where opposite properties or requirements are demanded from the same element or system.
The useful part is the explicit opposing requirement, not forcing metaphorical opposites onto a problem that is merely multi-objective.
Contradictions · Physical contradiction definition