First off, TRIZ is not a complete
innovation process, but it can assist is devising valued
solutions in certain situations. After the unmet needs have been
uncovered in a market and idea generation begins, the TRIZ
methodology applies principles that have worked in other
situations and industries to successfully overcome some inherent
design conflicts. We like to use the methodology when we come
across two desired outcomes that both need to be satisfied, but
the only obvious solutions satisfy one at the expense of the
other. When such a conflict occurs, the TRIZ principles can
often be applied to find an acceptable solution.
Although the TRIZ theory is unique and valid, we find that the
principles are limited in their application – more so to
mechanical products than to service or operational innovation
initiatives. We often use our own set of principles to guide
idea generation efforts – principles that we have derived
through the successful execution of hundreds of idea generation
sessions.
