Question of the Week:

What is TRIZ?

TRIZ, pronounced "trees," is a Russian acronym that roughly translates to "a theory of innovative problem-solving." (See a more complete definition in the ASQ Glossary under T.) TRIZ is becoming ever-more popular worldwide.

Here are some resources that provide background on TRIZ and examples of TRIZ in action:

The TRIZ Journal
A very active Web site offering articles, discussion groups, TRIZ-related news and event listings.

Why TRIZ is Important for Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma, by Larry Smith, ASQ World Conference Proceedings, 2006
Problem-solving teams have many tools to help them define, measure, and analyze at the beginning of a problem-solving process, but when they get to the improvement phase, they often must improvise an innovative concept or idea. Here's how TRIZ can help.
Logged-in members: Instant Access. Or you can buy a PDF.

TRIZ: A Creative Breeze for Quality Professionals, by John Dew, Quality Progress magazine, January 2006
The creator of TRIZ, Genrich Altshuller, wanted a systematic method to help people overcome the paralysis that inhibits creative thinking, one based on the rules of technical systems. He identified 40 creative principles based on an analysis of how complex problems are solved. Dew explains the principles and how they can be used effectively.
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Using TRIZ for Creative Solutions to Service Problems, by Ellen Domb
28-slide PowerPoint presentation delivered at the ASQ Service Quality Conference, 2002
How TRIZ principles can be followed to enhance creativity and invention.
ASQ Members: $5.00
Others: $10.00

Quality Improvement through Innovative Solutions of TRIZ, by Maria V. Stoletova, ASQ World Conference Proceedings, 2007
The principles and benefits of TRIZ are discussed and demonstrated in an industrial case study.
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