Idea Generation Methods:

We will be posting in this section all the known methods and techniques for creating groundbreaking ideas for life and for business.

Algorithm of Inventive Problem Solving

ARIZ (russ. acronym of Алгоритм решения изобретательских задач) - Algorithm of Inventive Problems Solving (ARIZ) is list of (about 85) step-by-step procedures that incrementally evolves a complex problem to a point where it is simple to solve.

Complex problems cannot be solved in just two steps. For those problems which are so complex, that they cannot be solved with any other tools, TRIZ includes the algorithm to follow which will facilitate the problem-solving process. ARIZ is not an equation, but rather a multi-step process asking you a series of questions that integrates different pieces of TRIZ.

ARIZ is a very "solution neutral" process: i.e., it takes preconceived solutions out of the problem statement. It starts you at a position that assumes the nature of your problem is unknown. ARIZ reacquaints you with your problem by allowing you to see your problem with a fresh pair of eyes.

ARIZ features:

• is a process of problem reformulations
• is logical and disciplined
• continually reinterprets the problem
• is the main TRIZ method for solving conflicts

ARIZ utilizes:

• Ideality for an understanding of the Ideal Final Result (IFR) (or Ideal Solution) to the problem
• Contradictions, by working first with the technical contradiction, then the physical contradiction
• Resources of the system
• Scientific effects
• S-field modeling and Standard Solutions

the 40 Principles

It is important to note that ARIZ is more than 50% problem reformulation! It is only through this guided reformulation that complex problems can be solved.

Framework for ARIZ

There are the nine classic steps (and the number of sub-steps vary from version to version of ARIZ). The three macro level processes with their respective nine "Classic" parts are:

I. Restructuring of the Original Problem

1. Analyze the System
2. Analyze the Resources
3. Define the Ideal Final Result and Formulate the Physical Contradiction

II. Removing the Physical Contradiction

1. Separate the Physical Contradiction
2. Apply the Knowledge Base: Effects, Standards, and Principles
3. Change the "Mini-Problem"

III. Analyzing the Solution

1. Review the Solution and Analyze the Removal of the Physical Contradiction
2. Develop Maximum Usage of the Solution
3. Review All the Stages in ARIZ in "Real Time" Application

ARIZ is used to solve very complicated invention problems, where other tools of TRIZ (Su-field analysis, 40 inventive principles, etc.) are not aplicable.

Advantages, Limitations and Unique Qualities

This is a relatively straightforward idea evaluation technique, although it can be used in idea generation.

1. Select one of the ideas / possible solutions.

2. Brainstorm as many advantages of this as you can.

3. Once you have got to a limit oon advantages, try and Brainstorm all the dissadvantages.

4. Swap mindset again, to try and find all the unique, new or unusual qualities about this idea / solution.

AIDA

AIDA (Analysis of Interactive Decision Areas - Luckman, Operational Research Quarterly, 1967; Friend and Hickling, Planning Under Pressure: The Strategic Choice Approach by John Friend and Allen Hickling, 1987) is used when you have several inter-connected problems where the solution choices for one will affect the solution choices for another. You therefore need to evaluate the solutions as a group, but the number of theoretically possible group combinations may be large. AIDA identifies combinations that cannot coexist and can therefore be eliminated, hence substantially reducing the number of combinations you need to compare.

Assuming that you have already got a list of problems, and have identified possible solutions for each. Then:

1. Identify any problems that do not interact: Draw a matrix with the problem names on each axis (e.g. 5 problems need a 5x5 matrix); delete the diagonal and the bottom triangle, to leave one cell for each different problem pair. Mark each cell 'X' if any of the solutions in the pair of problems the cell represents cannot co-exist. Remove from AIDA any problems with a blank row in this matrix; these have no interactions, and you can work with them independently.

	P1	P2	P3	P4	P5
P1	x
P2		x
P3			x
P4				x
P4					x

1. Identify incompatible pairs of solutions: Write each remaining problem with its solutions, on a large Post-it slip (e.g. 4 problems give four slips). Stick them on a large working area (e.g. a white-board). Go through each solution on each slip, checking it against every solution on all the other slips to identify any pairs of solutions that cannot coexist. Draw a 'bar-line' linking the two members of each such incompatible pair of solutions. Then all solutions in different problems that are not barred are free to be combined.
2. Create a solution tree: Create a tree-diagram that displays all compatible combinations of solution options. Remove any incompatible branches. The remaining solutions can now be compared against agreed criteria like any other set of solutions.