So, you have a problem or you are willing to solve somebody else’s problem and innovate. How do you do that? Where to start? What is the best flow for finding the solution to the problem? Googling this question will lead you to thousands of recommendations on the sequence of the problem-solving processes. Where did each recommended flow come from? The answer is simple, somebody has already solved a similar problem at least once. In this post, we want to explain how the PRIZ Innovation Platform helps us to solve problems and innovate. The Concept In a single phrase, there…

Brainstorming is one of the most popular creative instruments for problem-solving. The simplest method is unstructured brainstorming. The process is easy. We collect different ideas (tasks) for validation. The more the number of ideas, the more the probability of getting the correct or at least the most effective solution. People believe that if they generate a huge number of ideas, they will be able to find the solution to the problem.  Generally speaking, it is correct. However, the question is how to choose the right idea or task. What is the problem with brainstorming as we know it? Even though…

Every innovation addresses someone’s challenge or need. However, true innovation requires deliberate creative thinking, systematic approaches, and clear processes. Innovation is not merely a flash of brilliance but a consistent, structured effort to solve meaningful problems effectively. Innovation is most successful when it’s focused and targeted. Recognizing and clearly defining problems is critical to ensuring that innovative solutions directly address real-world needs. Effective innovation arises from understanding problems deeply and approaching them creatively. Unlocking Creative Thinking with PRIZ Platform Creative thinking is essential to innovation, enabling individuals and organizations to envision solutions beyond conventional boundaries. The PRIZ Platform supports this…

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a practical problem-solving tool. Once a root cause found we can concentrate on the solution that is related to the found root cause. A definition of a Root Cause is extremely important for the problem-solving process. We should clearly define and understand what a Root Cause is. Otherwise, RCA becomes completely useless, besides a problem will not be solved. What is Root Cause? Everyone remembers a traditional definition:  ROOT CAUSE IS A FUNDAMENTAL REASON FOR THE OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. This definition is very popular and clear, but we have to take into account the…

This paper is about problem solving. Let’s play a game. Please follow me step-by-step. First step: Try to invent something. Just suggest an idea, any new idea. Not an easy task, right? You don’t know what to invent. You don’t know what you should think about. I will try to help you to invent another query. Second step: Try to invent something for your kitchen. Oh, that sounds better. You can propose changing the backsplash,  relocate the fridge or the microwave and so on. Why such a query sounds more helpful? Because this query focuses your thinking on your kitchen….

As a matter of fact, we have already discussed the definition of a problem statement in our previous post “How to define a problem statement?” Since we received a lot of comments and questions regarding the difference between failure and problem, we decided to repeat the explanation and add a clear example. Here, we want to emphasize that failure can cause a number of problems. In addition, each problem may be different for different people. Again and again, do not confuse failure with a problem. A problem can be solved while failure cannot be fixed. A single failure can cause…

In the realm of problem-solving, understanding how to define a problem statement is paramount. Consider a scenario where a father consistently helps his son with physics assignments, leading to high grades and admiration. While grades are important, they may not always signify true understanding. This example highlights the critical importance of defining the right problem before seeking a solution. Failure to do so can lead to wasted time and missed opportunities for professional growth. Recognizing the distinction between a problem and its symptoms is key. A problem is something that demands attention and requires resolution, while a symptom of failure…

ME59700 INNOVATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING WITH AN EMPHASIS ON TRIZ TOOLS School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University Target Audience You have hard problems that have eluded solution for months or even years. You want to be a problem solver but haven’t found a framework that takes you beyond mere concepts without quantification (many popular design theories or idea generation methods). You want to perform work that cannot be commoditized or automated or replaced by Artificial Intelligence. Your problem may be any of product/service/organization/policy design or analysis. Course Material Understanding the objective function, developing problem representation and system modeling based on…

A problem solver often embodies the hope and potential for overcoming challenges. However, paradoxically, the problem solver can also become the primary obstacle in effective problem-solving. This unexpected barrier emerges primarily due to psychological inertia, a cognitive bias that limits creative thinking by binding individuals to past experiences and established solutions. Let’s analyze the problem-solving process. From our perspective, Functional Modelling (one of the well-known TRIZ tools) is the best way to analyze a system. An additional article describing Functional Modeling (FM) in greater detail will be prepared and published later on. For the purpose of this discussion, we are…