Rules for Problem Solving: Qualitative Analysis and Compilation of Existing Inventive Heuristics of TRIZ

Abstract:

Heuristics are widely accepted and used as tools for inventive problem solving. A problem when using heuristics is that their number is relatively high and ever growing (469 heuristics were analyzed only in this research). This amount of heuristics makes it necessary for problem solvers to spend a significant amount of time in understanding them, finding the most suitable ones to their specific situations and using them. This article presents a first step towards decreasing this complexity. The main heuristics to solve inventive problems were synthesized into a single list, whose preparation involved the identification of heuristics in literature, followed by a qualitative analysis through a comparison process, resulting in a final list of 263 heuristics. The authors hope that this list can save problem solvers’ time and become a basis for a future, essential set of inventive problem solving heuristics.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 741)
• Pages: 827-849
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.741.827
• Online since: March 2015
• Authors: R.K. Tessari*, M.A. de Carvalho
• Keywords: Heuristics, Inventive Problem Solving, Systematic Innovation, TRIZ

References

[1] KNIPPEN, J. T.; GREEN, T. B. Problem solving. Journal of Workplace Learning, v. 9, n. 3, p.98–9, (1997).

[2] NEWELL, A.; SHAW, J. C.; SIMON, H. A. The Process of Creative Thinking. Santa Monica, CA: The Rand Corporation, (1962).

[3] PROCTOR, T. Idea processing support systems. Management Decision, v. 36, n. 2, pp.111-6, (1998).

[4] MCFADZEAN, E. S. Developing and supporting creative problem solving teams: part 1 – a conceptual model. Management Decision, v. 40, n. 5, pp.463-475, (2002).

DOI: 10.1108/00251740210430443

[5] CHU, Y.; LI, Z.; SU, Y.; PIZLO, Z. Heuristics in Problem Solving: The Role of Direction in Controlling Search Space. The Journal of Problem Solving, v. 3, n. 1, pp.27-51, (2010).

DOI: 10.7771/1932-6246.1078

[6] RENKL, A.; HILBERT, T.; SCHWORM, S. Example-Based Learning in Heuristic Domains: A Cognitive Load Theory Account. Educational Psychology Review, v. 21, n. 1, pp.67-78, (2008).

DOI: 10.1007/s10648-008-9093-4

[7] MANN, D. L.; DEWULF, S.; ZLOTIN, B.; ZUSMAN, A. Matrix 2003: Updating the TRIZ Contradiction Matrix. Belgium: CREAX Press, (2003).

[8] SICKAFUS, E. Abstraction – the Essence of Innovation. International Journal of Systematic Innovation, v. 1, n. 1, pp.23-30, (2009).

[9] SAVRANSKY, S. D. Engineering of Creativity: Introduction to TRIZ Methodology of Inventive Problem Solving. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, (2000).

DOI: 10.1201/9781420038958

[10] ALTSHULLER, G. S. The Innovation Algorithm: TRIZ, Systematic Innovation and Technical Creativity. Worcester: Technical Innovation Center, (1999).

[11] TESSARI, R. K.; DE CARVALHO, M. A. Compilation of heuristics for inventive problem solving. Proceedings of ETRIA TRIZ Future Conference. ETRIA: Dublin, (2011).

[12] SALAMATOV, Y. P. TRIZ: The Right Solution at the Right Time – A Guide to Innovative Problem Solving. Hattem: Insytec, (1999).

[13] DE CARVALHO, M. A. IDEATRIZ Methodology for New Product Ideation. PhD Thesis. UFSC, PPGEP, Florianópolis, 2008 (in Portuguese).

[14] HOROWITZ, R.; MAIMON, O. Creative Design Methodology and the SIT Method. In: Annals of ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference, Sacramento, (1997).

DOI: 10.1115/detc97/dtm-3865

[15] SICKAFUS, E. Unified Structured Inventive Thinking: How to Invent. Grosse Ile, MI: Ntelleck, (1997).

[16] HOROWITZ, R. From TRIZ to ASIT in 4 Steps. TRIZ Journal, August, (2001).

[17] HOROWITZ, R. How to Develop Winning New Product Ideas Systematically. http: /www. start2innovate. com, (2004).

[18] RANTANEN, K.; DOMB, E. Simplified TRIZ: New Problem Solving Applications for Engineers & Manufacturing Professionals. 2 ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, (2008).

DOI: 10.1201/9781420000320

[19] MAO, X.; ZHANG, X.; ABOURIZK, S. Generalized Solutions for Su-Field Analysis. TRIZ Journal, August, (2007).

[20] ALTSHULLER, G.S.; ZLOTIN, B.; ZUSMAN, A.; PHILATOV, V. Searching for New Ideas: From Insight to Methodology – The Theory and Practice of Inventive Problem Solving. Kartya Moldovenyaska, Kishinev, 1989 (in Russian).

[21] ZLOTIN, B.; ZUSMAN, A. An Integrated Operational Knowledge Base (System of Operators) and the Innovation Workbench (TM) System Software. Ideation International Inc., 2005. http: /www. ideationtriz. com/new/materials/IntegratedOperationalKnowledgeBase. pdf.

[22] ZLOTIN, B.; ZUSMAN, A. Problems of ARIZ Enhancement. Kishinev, Moldova, (1991).

[23] SOUCHKOV, V. A Brief History of TRIZ. ICG Training & Consulting, pp.1-8, 2008. http: /www. xtriz. com/BriefHistoryOfTRIZ. pdf.

[24] POLOVINKIN, A. I. Laws of Organization and Evolution of Technique. Volgograd: VPI, 1985 (in Russian).

[25] POLOVINKIN, A. I. The ABC of Engineering Creativity. Moscow: Mashinostroenie, 1988 (in Russian).

[26] POLOVINKIN, A. I. Theory of New Technique Design: Laws of Technical Systems and their Applications. Moscou: Informelektro, 1991 (in Russian).

[27] DE CARVALHO M. A.; WEI, T. C.; SAVRANSKY, S. D. 121 Heuristics for Solving Problems. Lulu Inc., Morrisville, NC, (2003).

[28] YEZERSKY, G. Creating Successful Innovations: General Theory of Innovation and its Applications. Vinci: Institute of Professional Innovators / Università Degli Studi de Firenze, (2006).

[29] ALTSHULLER, G. S. 40 Principles: TRIZ Keys to Technical Innovation. Technical Innovation Center, Worcester, MA, (1998).

[30] LIU, X.; GUO, J.; SONG, Z.; CHENG, Y.; XU, G.; CUI, P. Time-Dependent Current Density Response of Polar Molecule Dominated Electrorheological Fluids. Annals of the 12th International Conference on Electrorheological (ER) Fluids and Magnetorheological (MR) Suspensions, Philadelphia, (2010).

DOI: 10.1142/9789812771209_0039