A Simple Cheat-Sheet and Practical Examples for Business Challenges

In all our worlds challenges arise daily. Innovation often requires us to think outside the box and tackle problems that seem contradictory or insurmountable. Enter the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ)—a methodology that can significantly enhance your inventive capabilities. This article aims to simplify TRIZ using a cheat-sheet focused on the Contradiction Matrix and provide practical examples that can help you navigate common business challenges.

Understanding TRIZ

TRIZ, which stands for the Russian phrase “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch,” translates to “theory of inventive problem solving.” Developed by Genrich Altshuller in the 1940s, TRIZ offers systematic approaches to problem-solving based on the analysis of thousands of inventions and the principles that made them successful. One of its core components is the Contradiction Matrix, which helps identify and resolve contradictions in any given situation.

What is a Contradiction?

In the context of TRIZ, a contradiction arises when enhancing one aspect of a system detracts from another. For instance, if improving product durability increases its weight, you face a contradiction between durability and weight. Recognising and addressing these contradictions is crucial to finding innovative solutions.

The Contradiction Matrix Cheat-Sheet

The Contradiction Matrix is essentially a guide that lists common technical parameters against which you’re likely to encounter contradictions. It suggests inventive principles you can apply to overcome these challenges. Here’s a simplified cheat-sheet format to help you understand it better:

Key to the Suggested Principles:

1. Segmentation: Divide something into smaller, independent parts so you can work on or use them more easily.
2. Taking out: Remove the part or property that is causing trouble.
3. Local quality: Change something from uniform to varied so different parts do different jobs better.
4. Asymmetry: Shift from a balanced shape to an unbalanced one if it improves performance.
5. Merging: Bring similar things together so they can work as one.
6. Universality: Make one thing do several useful jobs.
7. Nested doll: Put one item inside another, like layers.
8. Counterbalance: Offset weight or force using something that evens it out.
9. Preliminary anti-action: Prevent problems before they occur.
10. Prior action: Do a useful step ahead of time to make things easier later.
11. Beforehand compensation: Prepare buffers, reserves or safeguards to handle potential losses.
12. Equipotentiality: Reduce the effect of gravity or unwanted loads by keeping things at the same level or distributing weight.
13. The other way round: Reverse something: the process, the flow, the order or the role.
14. Spheroidality: Use rounded or curved shapes for smoother, safer or more efficient behaviour.
15. Dynamicity: Allow things to adjust, flex or move during operation.
16. Partial or excessive action: Do a bit more or a bit less than “ideal” if it simplifies or improves things.
17. Another dimension: Change the orientation or add a new spatial direction to solve the issue.
18. Mechanical vibration: Apply vibration or oscillation to help things move, clean or separate.
19. Periodic action: Use cycles, pulses or repeated patterns instead of continuous effort.
20. Continuity of useful action: Keep the beneficial part of the process going without unnecessary stops.
21. Skipping: Remove steps or bypass stages that add no value.
22. Conversion of harm into benefit: Turn a problem, waste or unwanted effect into something valuable.
23. Feedback: Add loops that monitor performance and guide adjustments.
24. Intermediary: Insert something between two parts to make interaction easier or more effective.
25. Self-service: Let the system maintain or adjust itself rather than needing human help.
26. Copying: Use models, mock-ups or replicas instead of originals when cheaper or safer.
27. Dispose and regenerate: Make parts easy to replace, renew or refresh when they fail.
28. Use of excess properties: Take advantage of side effects or unused features.
29. Use of fluids: Apply liquids or gases to move, support or shape things.
30. Flexible shells and thin films: Use flexible surfaces or thin coatings to adapt, protect or seal.
31. Porous materials: Use pores or perforations to lighten, absorb, filter or regulate flow.
32. Changing colour: Shift colour, brightness or transparency for signalling, control or efficiency.
33. Homogeneity: Use the same material or environment to simplify behaviour and reduce conflict.
34. Rejecting and recovering parts: Eject parts that aren’t needed at a given moment, or bring them back when they are.
35. Parameter changes: Adjust temperature, pressure, size, concentration or other key parameters.
36. Phase transitions: Use melting, freezing, evaporation or other state changes to achieve the effect you need.
37. Thermal expansion: Use materials that expand or contract with temperature to do useful work.
38. Strong oxidisers: Bring in oxygen-rich agents or similar substances to boost reactions or speed.
39. Inert atmosphere: Surround something with an unreactive environment to protect or stabilise it.
40. Composite materials: Combine different materials into a single structure with better combined properties.

N.B. The last 10 really reflect the heritage from manufacturing.

Download the TRIZ CHEAT-SHEET here

Practical Examples of the Contradiction Matrix in Action

Now that we have a solid understanding of the TRIZ Contradiction Matrix, let’s explore some practical business scenarios where it can be applied effectively. 

Example 1: Balancing Product Durability and Weight

Challenge: A company that manufactures outdoor equipment wants to create a tent that is both lightweight for portability and durable in tough weather.

Contradiction: Increasing durability usually adds weight, while reducing weight compromises structural integrity.

Resolution Using TRIZ: 

• By applying Principle 1: Segmentation, the company could design a tent with modular components. Instead of a single heavy fabric piece, use lighter, segmented materials that maintain strength at critical points.
• Moreover, Principle 3: Local Quality can help. By making different sections out of materials tailored specifically for their functional requirements, they can maintain durability without the bulk.

Example 2: Boosting Reliability While Reducing Costs

Challenge: A manufacturer of consumer electronics finds that increasing the reliability of their devices raises production costs.

Contradiction: Higher reliability due to additional testing and quality inputs leads to higher expenses.

Resolution Using TRIZ: 

• Implement Principle 2: Taking Out by eliminating unnecessary features that do not contribute directly to user satisfaction or reliability. Focus instead on essential elements that ensure robust performance while cutting costs.
• Also, consider Principle 5: Merging; combining components that serve multiple purposes can streamline manufacturing and quality control, ultimately lowering costs.

Example 3: Enhancing Speed Without Sacrificing Quality

Challenge: A restaurant wants to speed up service without compromising food quality.

Contradiction: Faster service risks food being prepared in less-than-ideal conditions, affecting quality.

Resolution Using TRIZ: 

• Use Principle 15: Dynamicity by creating a more flexible kitchen layout. Adapt workflows to allow for simultaneous preparation of different dishes, increasing speed without sacrificing individual attention to each dish.
• Implementing Principle 30: Flexible shells and thin films by introducing specialised food containers that maintain temperature while retaining freshness allows quicker service without compromising quality.

Making TRIZ Work for Your Business

Learning to utilise the Contradiction Matrix in your organisation doesn’t have to be daunting. Start by conducting a thorough analysis of the specific contradictions faced in your business operations. 

Actionable Steps to Implement TRIZ

1. Identify Contradictions: Gather your team and brainstorm areas where improvements are needed. Document specific cases where enhancing one aspect compromises another.
2. Use the Cheat-Sheet: Refer to the Contradiction Matrix to find applicable suggestions specific to your identified contradictions.
3. Collaborate and Experiment: Encourage team collaboration to come up with innovative ideas based on the suggested principles. Use rapid prototyping or brainstorming sessions to explore how these can be implemented.
4. Test and Iterate: Trial the derived solutions in controlled environments. Gather feedback and iterate on your design or process to refine further.
5. Document Results: Keep a record of successes and challenges encountered along the way. Sharing these insights can foster a culture of innovation within your team.
6. Stay Open-Minded: TRIZ provides a structured approach, but creativity should still reign. Encouraging a mindset that values innovative thinking will continuously fuel growth and improvement.

Conclusion

In an era where businesses must adapt rapidly to stay competitive, mastering the TRIZ Contradiction Matrix can position your company to resolve conflicts creatively and efficiently. By simplifying this methodology into an actionable cheat-sheet combined with practical examples, you can empower your team to address complex challenges head-on. 

Embrace the art of inventive problem-solving, and watch as your business flourishes through innovative solutions. Whether balancing quality and efficiency or cost and reliability, TRIZ opens doors to possibilities previously thought unattainable. So, roll up your sleeves—it’s time to innovate!