Framework
Innovation

TRIZ

40 inventive principles for contradictions

Best for
resolving engineering trade-offs
Time
1–2 hr
Difficulty
Advanced
TRIZ diagramSchematic of the TRIZ framework: 40 inventive principles for contradictions.Impact →Likelihood →
The TRIZ diagram — 40 inventive principles for contradictions.
Example

Resolving a trade-off: lighter packaging vs. shipping durability

Applying inventive principles
  1. Segmentation — split packaging into protective frame + light wrap
  2. Asymmetry — heavier protection only on corners, not all surfaces
  3. Local quality — different materials where stress concentrates
  4. Composite materials — replace cardboard with recycled honeycomb
  5. Prior counteraction — pre-stress packaging before shipping

Related frameworks

Innovation

SCAMPER

Substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to other use, eliminate, reverse

Innovation

Lateral Thinking

Provocations to break logic

Innovation

Reverse Brainstorming

How could we cause the problem?

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