Ariz Explored: A step-by-step guide to ARIZ, the Algorithm for Solving Inventive Problems

Through the study of large numbers of patents, Genrich Altshuller created TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. TRIZ is a set of tools for thinking that direct the user to inventive solutions based on the study of how innovative solutions have been created in the past. Altshuller believed that around 85% of inventive problems could be solved using the standard tools of TRIZ. However, the most difficult problems required the application of the ARIZ algorithm. ARIZ is the core algorithm of TRIZ, known as the Algorithm for the Solution of Inventive Problems. Unfortunately ARIZ is often avoided by TRIZ users because it has a reputation of being difficult to understand and apply. Typically, ARIZ is taught as a set of instructions for the user to perform and no explanation of the problem-solving mechanisms at play is provided and so the user does not understand how it works. It is the intention of this book to provide a step by step template with examples and explanations to help users better understand ARIZ to increase its frequency of use and lead to more breakthrough solutions and inventions. In this book, we use version ARIZ-85C as a basis for our exploration of ARIZ. ARIZ-85C was the last "official" version approved by Altshuller; it is the accepted standard and considered to be a masterpiece of Altshuller.