Methods · Method

TRIZ

Structured inventive problem-solving methods derived from patterns of technical innovation.

• Borrow and Adapt Successful Strategies from Others to Enhance Your Own GrowthBorrow and adapt successful strategies from others to enhance your own growth.
• Use Fluid or Adaptable Approaches in Your LifeUse fluid or adaptable approaches in your life. For example, adjust your goals based on your current situation.
• Automate or Delegate Tasks That Don't Require Your Direct InvolvementAutomate or delegate tasks that don't require your direct involvement. Free up your time to focus on what matters most.
• Decompose a Hard Problem with TRIZ-Inspired ContradictionsDescribe the unwanted result, expose the trade-off or contradiction, split the system into parts, and check a change that removes a constraint instead of merely optimizing around i
• Maintain Continuous Progress by Building MomentumMaintain continuous progress by building momentum. For instance, create daily habits that support your long-term goals.
• Use Color or Other Visual Cues to Track Progress or ChangesUse color or other visual cues to track progress or changes. For example, use a color-coded calendar to organize your time.
• Combine Similar Tasks or Goals for Better EfficiencyCombine similar tasks or goals for better efficiency. For example, listen to a podcast while exercising to align fitness and learning goals.
• Counterbalance Intense Activities with Opposite Actions to Maintain StabilityCounterbalance intense activities with opposite actions to maintain stability. For instance, balance high-focus work with relaxation to recharge.
• Eliminate Unnecessary Habits, Routines, or Processes That No Longer Serve YouEliminate unnecessary habits, routines, or processes that no longer serve you. Simplify and focus on what adds value.
• Incorporate Elements That Filter or Refine Your Environment or HabitsIncorporate elements that filter or refine your environment or habits. For example, filter out distractions to improve focus.
• Introduce Flexibility into Your RoutinesIntroduce flexibility into your routines. For instance, adjust your workout schedule to match your daily energy levels.
• Use 'rounded' Approaches to Avoid Abrupt ChangesUse 'rounded' approaches to avoid abrupt changes. For example, transition gradually into a new habit instead of forcing it.
• Create ‘inert’ Environments When You Need to Avoid DistractionsCreate ‘inert’ environments when you need to avoid distractions. For example, create a quiet workspace to enhance focus.
• Use Intermediaries to Facilitate Your Personal GrowthUse intermediaries to facilitate your personal growth. For example, use a mentor to guide you through challenging decisions.
• Optimize Your Time by Nesting Tasks Within Each OtherOptimize your time by nesting tasks within each other. For example, plan meals that serve multiple purposes, like using leftovers for the next day's lunch.
• Adjust Your Methods to Match Your Personal PreferencesAdjust your methods to match your personal preferences. If a standard approach doesn’t work, experiment with alternatives that feel more natural to you.
• Create a Clear Handoff Between Two ActivitiesUse a short, ordinary handoff at a recurring boundary—such as work to personal time—to record what is unfinished, reset the environment, and make the first action of the next activ
• Take Preventive Actions to Avoid Future ProblemsTake preventive actions to avoid future problems. For example, adopt a regular exercise routine to stay healthy and reduce the risk of illness.
• Replace Outdated Methods with Modern, More Efficient AlternativesReplace outdated methods with modern, more efficient alternatives. For example, switch to digital note-taking instead of paper.
• Recycle or Repurpose Resources to Save Time and EnergyRecycle or repurpose resources to save time and energy. For instance, reuse parts of previous projects to build new ones.
• Reverse Your Typical Approach to Find New SolutionsReverse your typical approach to find new solutions. If you usually react impulsively, try pausing before you respond.
• Adjust Parameters in Your Personal Routines to Optimize PerformanceAdjust parameters in your personal routines to optimize performance. For example, tweak your sleep schedule to improve energy levels.
• Introduce Movement or Variation in Your Routines to Keep Them EngagingIntroduce movement or variation in your routines to keep them engaging. For instance, vary your workout routine to prevent boredom.
• Add ‘cushions’ to Your Life to Absorb Stress and Prevent DamageAdd ‘cushions’ to your life to absorb stress and prevent damage. This could be scheduling downtime after busy periods.
• Skip Unnecessary Steps in Your Daily Routines to Save Time and EnergySkip unnecessary steps in your daily routines to save time and energy. For example, automate or delegate tasks that don’t require your attention.
• Standardize Your Routines or Tools to Simplify Your LifeStandardize your routines or tools to simplify your life. For example, use a consistent morning routine to start your day effectively.
• Use Temporary or Low-Commitment Solutions Where AppropriateUse temporary or low-commitment solutions where appropriate. For instance, test a new habit with a short trial period.
• Refer to the 40 Triz Principles to Identify and Resolve ContradictionsRefer to the 40 TRIZ principles to identify and resolve contradictions. For example, look at 'Segmentation' to see if breaking down the problem helps resolve the conflict.
• Prepare in Advance for Challenging SituationsPrepare in advance for challenging situations. For example, plan your day the night before to ensure a smooth start.
• Compare Your System with Best-In-Class Systems to Identify ContradictionsCompare your system with best-in-class systems to identify contradictions. For example, see how the best systems balance speed and quality.
• Combine Different Techniques or Strategies to Create a Composite Approach to Personal GrowthCombine different techniques or strategies to create a composite approach to personal growth.
• Create a Visual Representation of the Conflicting ElementsCreate a visual representation of the conflicting elements. For example, draw a diagram showing how increasing one factor negatively impacts another.
• Use Standard Triz Contradiction Templates Like 'technical Contradiction' and 'physical ContradictionUse standard TRIZ contradiction templates like 'Technical Contradiction' and 'Physical Contradiction.' For example, 'Technical Contradiction: Increasing speed improves productivity
• Use the Triz Contradiction Matrix to Find Principles That Can Resolve Your Specific ConflictUse the TRIZ Contradiction Matrix to find principles that can resolve your specific conflict. For example, if you need to improve speed without losing quality, the matrix suggests
• Experiment with Different Methods or Intensities to Find What Works BestExperiment with different methods or intensities to find what works best. For example, try out various study techniques to discover the most effective one.
• Incorporate Feedback into Your Personal GrowthIncorporate feedback into your personal growth. Regularly review your progress and adjust your approach accordingly.
• Utilize Flexibility in Materials, Environments, or SchedulesUtilize flexibility in materials, environments, or schedules. For instance, choose flexible workout routines that fit into your day.
• Transform Parts of Your Life into Multi-Functional ToolsTransform parts of your life into multi-functional tools. For example, turn your commute into mindfulness practice or a learning session.
• Leverage the Power of Heat—literal or Metaphorical—to Expand Your PossibilitiesLeverage the power of heat—literal or metaphorical—to expand your possibilities. For example, use the ‘heat’ of a challenge to push yourself to grow.
• Focus Your Energy on the Areas Where a Small Improvement Will Make the BiggestFocus your energy on the areas where a small improvement will make the biggest impact. Prioritize where your time and effort will matter most.
• Compare the Ideal State of Your System with Its Actual State to Find WhereCompare the ideal state of your system with its actual state to find where it falls short. For example, ideally, your machine should run 24/7 without maintenance, but it requires f
• Frame Contradictions Using 'ifFrame contradictions using 'If...Then...' statements. For example, 'If we increase the speed of production, then the quality of the product decreases.'
• Turn Obstacles into Opportunities for GrowthTurn obstacles into opportunities for growth. For instance, use setbacks as learning experiences to build resilience.
• Identify and Address Conflicting Priorities in Your Life to Find BalanceIdentify and address conflicting priorities in your life to find balance. For example, balance work and leisure to avoid burnout.
• Question Each Requirement to See If It Introduces Any ContradictionsQuestion each requirement to see if it introduces any contradictions. Ask questions like 'What happens if we increase this?' or 'What happens if we decrease this?'
• Use 'oxidants'—positive Stimuli—to Accelerate ProgressUse 'oxidants'—positive stimuli—to accelerate progress. For instance, reward yourself for completing tasks to boost motivation.
• Identify Trade-Offs That Might Indicate a ContradictionIdentify trade-offs that might indicate a contradiction. For example, if increasing durability makes the product heavier, that’s a trade-off.
• Think in Three Dimensions When Organizing Your LifeThink in three dimensions when organizing your life. Use vertical space or multi-level organization to declutter your environment.
• Implement Regular Cycles of Work and Rest to Maintain EnergyImplement regular cycles of work and rest to maintain energy. For example, use the Pomodoro technique to balance focus and breaks.