Contradictions according to the TRIZ method

One of the most antiquated paradigms that has to do with problem resolution when carrying out an innovation, is that throughout the whole process of implementation, the generation of many unusual ideas is one of the most fundamental steps to end up with a huge amount of solutions. To objectively achieve a quality development of a desired product, first to choose the right path it is needed to overpass unsought results, this could be done by thinking from global perspectives and being able to detect any possible obstacle.

Nevertheless, the russian scientist and engineer Genrich Altshuller, creator of the TRIZ method, discovered that using this approach is not as convenient as it can seem, he proposed that having a lot of solutions, involves greater time to evaluate the efficiency of them. Instead of these premises, he suggested that creating a procedure that generates a single solution is beneficial, ensuring that it functions for the desired problematic established and that is wanted to be solved.

When setting up the implementations that are contemplated to be achieved for the product to be launched, it is important to bear in mind that each one of them will be followed by at least one consequence that even if it is minor it can not just be ignored. In this process, there will always be a tendency to enhance characteristics of the system so it can be as innovative as possible and reach an expected outcome, when the fulfillment of these optimization principles is required, it can lead to the encountering of diverse situations, as an improvement is desired to be made, with frequency this might take to the weakening of another aspect of the product, this kind of self-compensation of the system is better known as contradiction according to the TRIZ method.

In order to overcome these contradictions, the TRIZ method proposes the identification of the undesirable effects for each improvement to the parameters that are wanted to be made, accompanied by a deep analysis of the system, doing it as many times as necessary to have a full understanding of the parts contained in the product as well as the whole system considered as one. Subsequently, a contrast on the found parameters is required to finally associate the necessary inventive principles based on patent research. Altshuller identified that these represent a recommendation to change a system, and to establish solutions by the correct interpretation of them, by adapting them to the necessities and properties of the product.

For the main objectives that the correct identification of contradictions imply in innovation methods, almost every ethical concern also needs to be approached to achieve the best development of the aimed innovative product. To help any project achieve its full potential and prevent the majority of ethical or technical obstacles that may be presented along the way, it is crucial to think with different perspectives by pondering every scenario including also the negative ones.

A good approach and identification of all possible contradictions is considered to be highly relevant nowadays since it will give impact to the target user. Regarding the product to be developed or improved, this should always be done in order to apply the most appropriate methods to achieve innovative results that can convey quality, adaptability and convenience to the consumer. Analyzing points of view that may contradict characteristics of a proposed project may provide a competitive advantage since this will represent an additional value when seeking to materialize the desires or needs identified in the delimited market segment. Taking into account aspects related to evaluating the solidity of what is proposed for a snowmobile product will be the aspect that defines the success or failure of the project, contradictions are therefore considered as a development phase that enhances the ability to innovate by sticking to the considerations of different aspects that might be encountered during the evolution process to end up with a final product considered as safe as possible and successful.

About the authors:

Dielci Karina Martínez Gutiérrez. 7th semester student in the Biomedical Engineering degree, member of the SOMIB-UDLAP Student Chapter. Contact: dielci.martinezgz@udlap.mx

Sofía García Peña. 7th semester student in the Biomedical Engineering degree, member of the SOMIB-UDLAP Student Chapter. Contact: sofia.garciapa@udlap.mx