Book Summary: 40 Principles, TRIZ Keys to Technical Innovation (Genrich Altshuller)
40 Principles: TRIZ Keys to Innovation introduces the TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) methodology, which identifies 40 principles derived from patterns of invention across various fields. These principles guide product managers in tackling challenges creatively, enhancing products, and systematically driving innovation. Here’s a practical guide to using these 40 TRIZ principles.
The 40 TRIZ Principles for Innovation
Segmentation: Divide a product or process into parts to make it more adaptable and customizable.
Tip: Offer product features in tiers (basic, pro, advanced) to meet different user needs.
Taking Out: Remove unnecessary components to simplify and improve usability.
Tip: Regularly audit and remove rarely-used features to streamline the product experience.
Local Quality: Customize parts of a product based on specific user needs.
Tip: Personalize features for different customer segments (e.g., enterprise vs. individual users).
Asymmetry: Use asymmetry to enhance ergonomics or prioritize functionality.
Tip: Place frequently used buttons or features where they’re easily accessible.
Merging: Combine related functions to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy.
Tip: Integrate notifications and messaging into a single dashboard for streamlined communication.
Universality: Design features that serve multiple purposes.
Tip: Create a tagging system that helps with both search and organization within the app.
Nesting: Embed elements within each other to save space and organize information.
Tip: Use nested menus or collapsible sections to declutter the interface.
Counterweight: Offset complex or challenging elements with simpler support elements.
Tip: Offer tooltips or tutorials to guide users through complex features.
Prior Counter-Action: Take preventive measures to avoid problems.
Tip: Include confirmation prompts for actions that can’t be undone, like deleting data.
Prior Action: Set up conditions in advance for a smoother user experience.
Tip: Allow users to set preferences during onboarding (e.g., theme, language).
Cushion in Advance: Build flexibility so users can adjust the product to their needs.
Tip: Allow users to customize their dashboard to fit their personal workflow.
Equipotentiality: Reduce unnecessary movements to streamline user workflows.
Tip: Consolidate commonly used actions in one location to minimize clicks.
‘The Other Way Around’: Reverse typical processes or orders for improved results.
Tip: Gather feedback during onboarding instead of after it’s complete for continuous improvement.
Spheroidality: Incorporate rounded elements to create a more user-friendly experience.
Tip: Use rounded corners and buttons to create a welcoming, modern interface.
Dynamics: Make your product flexible and adaptable to meet evolving user needs.
Tip: Allow users to customize the interface, such as rearranging widgets on their dashboard.
Partial or Excessive Action: Provide options for different levels of user engagement.
Tip: Offer an “advanced settings” section for power users who need additional customization.
Moving to a New Dimension: Add new dimensions or layers to increase functionality.
Tip: Use pop-ups or overlays to display additional information without navigating away.
Mechanical Vibration: Introduce subtle feedback to enhance interactions.
Tip: Use vibration or animation to confirm user actions, like button presses on mobile.
Periodic Action: Schedule regular updates or reminders to keep users engaged.
Tip: Send reminders or check-ins based on user activity, like encouraging users to finish setup.
Continuity of Useful Action: Reduce interruptions for a smooth experience.
Tip: Allow users to continue working while background processes, like uploads, complete.
Rushing Through: Speed up actions that don’t require precision.
Tip: Use a fast-tracked login option (e.g., biometric login) for a quicker start.
Convert Harm into Benefit: Turn challenges into features.
Tip: If errors are common, add an undo function to help users recover easily.
Feedback: Implement mechanisms to inform users of progress.
Tip: Use loading bars, confirmation messages, and visual feedback to keep users informed.
Intermediary: Add intermediaries for smoother workflows.
Tip: Use onboarding wizards to guide users through complex setup processes.
Self-Service: Design features so users can manage processes themselves.
Tip: Include self-service tools, like account recovery, to reduce reliance on support.
Copying: Replicate elements to improve access and usability.
Tip: Make commonly used tools accessible from multiple areas within the app.
Dispose and Regenerate: Eliminate outdated elements and replace them with fresh alternatives.
Tip: Regularly retire outdated features and replace them with improved versions.
Replacing Mechanical System: Use digital solutions in place of physical components.
Tip: Implement virtual assistants or help widgets instead of relying solely on human support.
Pneumatics and Hydraulics: Use flexible, responsive designs.
Tip: Design interfaces that adjust dynamically to different screen sizes or resolutions.
Flexible Shells and Thin Films: Incorporate protective yet adaptable elements.
Tip: Use transparent overlays that offer hints without blocking the user’s view.
Porous Materials: Include elements that adapt based on user needs.
Tip: Use adaptable forms that show or hide fields depending on user responses.
Color Changes: Use color to convey different states or provide guidance.
Tip: Use color to indicate active, disabled, or error states for buttons and forms.
Homogeneity: Apply a consistent style across similar elements.
Tip: Keep a uniform design for similar components to enhance usability and recognition.
Discarding and Recovering: Let users discard items, then restore them if needed.
Tip: Implement a “trash bin” for temporary storage of deleted items, allowing recovery.
Parameter Changes: Make elements adaptable to different needs or contexts.
Tip: Allow users to adjust font size, brightness, or contrast for accessibility.
Phase Transition: Introduce steps that change gradually to guide users through processes.
Tip: Gradually introduce complex features as users progress, like unlocking advanced options over time.
Thermal Expansion: Use heatmaps or user data to identify usage patterns.
Tip: Employ heatmap tools to identify areas users interact with most, helping prioritize UX improvements.
Strong Oxidants: Add elements that encourage interaction or engagement.
Tip: Use visual cues, like call-to-action buttons, to guide users toward desired actions.
Inert Atmosphere: Reduce distractions or irrelevant elements to keep focus.
Tip: Use “focus mode” to eliminate non-essential items and keep users engaged with primary tasks.
Composite Materials: Combine different materials or elements to optimize functionality.
Tip: Integrate complementary elements (e.g., video tutorials, written guides) to cater to various learning styles.
Leveraging TRIZ
Altshuller’s 40 principles provide a systematic toolkit for innovation, allowing product managers to approach problems with fresh perspectives and creative solutions. Here’s how to apply TRIZ effectively:
Use TRIZ Principles in Brainstorming: When addressing product challenges, review these principles as potential solutions to generate a broader range of ideas.
Create a TRIZ Checklist: Use this checklist when developing new features to ensure you’re exploring every opportunity for optimization and innovation.
Hold Cross-Functional TRIZ Workshops: Engage cross-functional teams (e.g., design, engineering, marketing) in TRIZ-based brainstorming sessions to tackle complex product challenges together.
Iterate and Apply: Continually revisit TRIZ principles throughout product development, especially when dealing with roadblocks or seeking improvements.
Conclusion
40 Principles: TRIZ Keys to Innovation equips product managers with actionable strategies to drive product innovation, overcome challenges, and enhance user experiences. By applying these principles, product managers can tackle complex problems, streamline product features, and foster creativity across the product development process. This structured approach to inventive problem-solving ensures that products not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
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