State-of-the-Art TRIZ – Theory of Inventive Problem-Solving

This 285-page guide provides the essential knowledge you need to pass the Level 1 MATRIZ certification exam. It’s well-organized and packed with real-life case studies, making complex concepts easier to grasp.

The book doesn’t just tell you what to do – it walks you through how to do it, step by step, tool by tool. Whether you’re beginning your journey with TRIZ or looking to enhance your expertise, this resource has you covered. For beginners, it’s the perfect preparation for the Level 1 exam. For experienced professionals, it offers guidance on designing training programs that align with MATRIZ standards.

Practice exercises and control questions are included to help you assess your readiness before taking the exam.

 

Scope of the book

 

Problem-identification tools

Function analysis

This tool analyzes functions, their characteristics, and the costs of components within an engineering system and its supersystem. It serves as the foundation for nearly all TRIZ problem identification and problem-solving methods.

By using this tool, you can identify various function-related issues, including harmful functions, insufficiently or excessively performed useful functions, and adequately performed useful functions.

Cause-effect chain analysis

This tool identifies the key disadvantages of an engineering system. While function analysis often uncovers numerous disadvantages, most of these stem from a few underlying key disadvantages. Eliminating these key disadvantages resolves all related issues.

The ultimate goal of cause-effect chain analysis is to pinpoint and address these key disadvantages effectively.

Trimming

This tool streamlines an engineering system by removing (trimming) certain components and redistributing their useful functions among the remaining components of the system or supersystem. Its goal is to enhance the engineering system by reducing its complexity and minimizing the number of components.

Trimming uncovers problems that other methods often overlook, leading to more precise problem definitions and paving the way for innovative, effective solutions.

 

Problem-solving tools

Contradiction matrix

The contradiction matrix is a tool to deal with engineering contradictions – situations where improving one parameter of the system leads to the deterioration of another.

Developed through the analysis of hundreds of thousands of patents, the matrix provides a set of recommended solution models, known as inventive principles, for each contradiction.

Algorithm for resolving physical contradiction

The algorithm for resolving physical contradictions is a tool designed to generate typical models of inventive solutions for problems modeled as physical contradictions. These contradictions arise when two opposing requirements are imposed on a single parameter within an engineering system.

And others…

The book also presents selected creativity methods, history of the development of TRIZ, as well as practical advice on identifying and using resources in creating innovative solutions.

 

About the authors

This book is the result of work by an experienced team of TRIZ specialists from various fields. These professionals are actively engaged in implementing innovative projects based on state-of-the-art TRIZ. Their long-standing collaboration in the field of innovation has led to impressive results across North and South America, Asia, and Europe.

The team has trained thousands of professionals through a wide range of courses – from foundational methodology training to advanced TRIZ implementation – aimed at boosting innovation within organizations. The insights shared in this book are drawn from the authors’ valuable hands-on experience gained through consulting projects for companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, Intel, Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and many others.

 

Sergei Ikovenko

One of the world’s leading consultants in technological innovation, with nearly 40 years of experience in the field. TRIZ Master and Chairman of the Council on Expertise and Methodology (CEM) at MATRIZ. Associate Professor at MIT (Cambridge, USA), Tufts University (Boston, MA), and Tongji University in Shanghai (Intellectual Property College); Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh (UK). Lecturer of TRIZ seminars at Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Caltech, and other top educational institutions around the world.

Magdalena Krupinska

Experienced trainer and certified TRIZ (Level 3). Co-author of TRIZ textbooks and the MATRIZ online knowledge base. Serves as Scientific Secretary at MATRIZ. She applies her knowledge and skills not only in developing educational materials and popular science articles but also in R&D projects – where she leads and coordinates an analytical team and actively contributes to ongoing project work. She holds a degree in design from the Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz / Poland.

Malgorzata Przymusiala

Graduate of the Department of Philology at the University of Lodz (Lodz, Poland), member of international project teams in 6 Sigma and SAP corporate implementations, Level 3 of MATRIZ certification (TRIZ Practitioner). Interested in new developments in medical technology. Enjoys traveling and discovering new places, stories, and flavors.

Sergey Yatsunenko

PhD in Physics who combines analytical thinking with a passion for innovation and technology. An expert in intellectual property and patent strategy, actively involved in advancing and promoting TRIZ. President and board member of MATRIZ. His daily work focuses on developing and implementing innovation, but his passion goes far beyond day-to-day responsibilities. He eagerly shares his expertise with companies around the world – from start-ups to global corporations.

Mark Barkan

Professor of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Level 5 of MATRIZ certification (TRIZ Master), a Presidium Member and Executive Director of MATRIZ, with 50 years of experience in innovation (developing solutions, teaching activities) with various manufacturing and construction companies. An expert in the development of the creative and critical thinking skills in people of every age.

Piotr Karendal

Department of Social Sciences of the University of Silesia (Katowice, Poland) graduate, author of numerous scientific articles and studies on innovation, Level 3 of MATRIZ certification (TRIZ Practitioner). A passionate skier and a lover of Japanese culture and fantasy.

Serhiy Kobyakov

Ph.D. in physics (Institute of Physics, the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland). Involved in experimental research on solid-state physics at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University (Warsaw, Poland), Level 3 of MATRIZ certification (TRIZ Practitioner), avid photographer.

Jerzy Obojski

Graduate of the University of Warmia and Mazury (Olsztyn, Poland), mechanical engineer, Level 3 of MATRIZ certification (TRIZ Practitioner). Inventor, enthusiast of engineering challenges, collector of logic puzzles.

Zakhar Vintman

Former lecturer and rector of the National University of Science and Technology in Dnipro (Ukraine), former director of Vector, a scientific and technical center, lecturer (innovative technologies and creative development) at the Knowledge Association. TRIZ consultant, as well as a TRIZ Champion recognized for his achievements in spreading knowledge related to TRIZ.