Functional modeling sits at the heart of rigorous engineering problem-solving and breakthrough innovation. At PRIZ Guru, we champion two complementary approaches—System Functional Modeling (SFM) and Process Functional Modeling (PFM)—that let engineers, quality-assurance teams, and innovators dissect complex systems and processes, surface hidden inefficiencies, and lift overall system quality. What Is Functional Modeling? Functional modeling is a structured way to visualize how components within a system, or steps within a process, interact. By mapping functions and flows, teams can spot redundancy, failure points, or value-draining steps long before they cost time or money. System Functional Modeling (SFM): Dissecting Systems for Innovation…

This article explores the distinction between guessing and thinking as cognitive processes. Guessing involves making quick decisions or forming opinions without substantial evidence, relying on intuition. On the other hand, thinking is a deliberate and evidence-based process that aims for accuracy through careful consideration. The article discusses the disparities in decision-making basis, evidence, reasoning, speed, accuracy, informed decision-making, and engagement of cognitive processes. It emphasizes the significance of thoughtful analysis over guesswork, particularly in engineering and innovation endeavors. The article advocates for embracing thinking processes and utilizing tools like PRIZ Guru for efficient problem-solving and idea generation. Guessing involves making…

We have some exciting news to share about one of our most popular tools Round-Robin Ranking (RRR). RRR is a simple and powerful tool that helps us make decisions when we have many options to choose from. However, when there are a huge number of comparisons to make, RRR can take a very long time to complete. To address this issue, we have released a new and improved comparison algorithm called Smart Ranking. It minimizes the number of comparisons required while still producing highly accurate results, similar to those obtained through full ranking. This makes the ranking process more efficient…

In the majority of cases, we don’t have the luxury to work on a single project. Our lives often force us to deal with several projects simultaneously. In this post, we will discuss the best way how to manage several projects simultaneously. The Problem Managing two or more projects simultaneously is a problem that can be solved using problem-solving (creative thinking) tools. Let’s zoom out and take a look at the whole picture, including the System, Subsystem, and Supersystem. Subsystem contains a part of the System, while Supersystem contains the System (as one of its parts).For example: If three is…

Ranking options or items is not a trivial process. The main problem that usually people try to make a decision and select one out of all the items or options. This is the wrong way. The ranking is a kind of problem that should be solved using the relevant problem-solving tool. Many people asked me when should they use Round-Robin Ranking (RRR) provided here, in the PRIZ Platform? Why can’t I make the choice on my own? How difficult that can be? After experiencing the power of RRR myself several times, I decided to write this short post and give…

We all need to make a lot of decisions by choosing and ranking items/options on a daily bases. Sometimes it looks easy but often takes a long time to make the decision. It is not easy to choose one option out of several. It seems paradoxical, but our decision is typically driven by trying to avoid a mistake rather than searching for a bigger benefit. We are more afraid of making a mistake than to not get what we need. Our fear of losing is stronger than the desire to acquire. The difficulty of decision-making depends on the chance of…