Systematic Innovation and Problem Solving in Software using TRIZ (DeveloperWeek Global 2020)

Discover how to apply the systematic TRIZ approach to innovation and problem-solving in software development, leveraging inventive principles to resolve contradictions and create effective solutions that delight customers.

Key takeaways
  • TRIZ (Theory of Resolution of Invention-related Tasks) is a systematic approach to innovation and problem-solving.
  • The method involves identifying contradictions in requirements, determining the ideal final result, and applying inventive principles to resolve the contradictions.
  • Examples of contradictions include security vs. performance, amount of information vs. ease of use, and data processing vs. time.
  • Inventive principles include nested dolls, prior action, and self-service, among others.
  • The speaker recommends learning about TRIZ and using it to solve complex problems and innovate.
  • Regular innovation and problem-solving processes can help escape psychological inertia and other constraints.
  • Our customers will be satisfied if we solve problems in a very effective and cool way.
  • Key takeaways from the presentation include:
    • Use a systematic approach to innovation and problem-solving (TRIZ)
    • Identify contradictions in requirements and determine the ideal final result
    • Apply inventive principles to resolve the contradictions
    • Use a combination of tangible and intangible resources to leverage innovation
    • Prior action and self-service are important inventive principles to consider
    • Use brainstorming and deep customer empathy to generate ideas and solve problems
    • Try to go broad and then narrow when defining problems
    • Intangible resources can include things like keystrokes and mouse movements
    • Tangible resources can include data, hardware, and devices
    • Creating a perfect system or ideal system is key
    • The speaker wants to remember the following: trees assist in the thinking process, but in no way it’s a replacement for the thinking process