4 - Algorithm for inventive problem solving (ARIZ)

Summary

The tools of TRIZ, as described in Chapters 2 and 3, are very helpful when searching for new conceptual solutions. Their direct application to complex situations, however, can at times be rather perplexing: it may not be clear what system conflict should be resolved, or which component of the system should be modified, or what sufield model describes the problem most adequately. To assist the problem solver in making these and other important decisions, Altshuller developed the Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving or ARIZ (AlgoritmResheniaIzobretatelskihZadach – in its Russian abbreviation).

Goals of ARIZ

ARIZ pursues three major objectives: problem formulation, breaking psychological inertia, and combining powers of various tools of TRIZ.

Problem formulation

A conventional approach to problem solving is to jump to potential solutions once a problem has been presented. Solving a difficult problem may require numerous leaps. From a TRIZ standpoint, if a problem cannot be easily solved, it usually means that it is poorly formulated. A properly formulated problem can be easily solved automatically, or it becomes clear that there is no necessary scientific knowledge or technology available to find a solution. In many cases, the proper problem formulation includes the selection of a system's component to be modified, and the formulation of a physical contradiction for this component.

For this reason, ARIZ contains a set of steps that lead the problem solver from the initial vaguely, or wrongly, defined problem to a lucid formulation of a system conflict and a physical contradiction.