Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2025 12:49 pm
Today, the real challenge lies in navigating the labyrinth of problems that inevitably arise on the path to achieving those goals. To succeed, we must master the art of solving complex problems with speed, efficiency, and minimal cost. This requires a unique blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and innovative problem-solving—skills that are now more critical than ever.
The Two Faces of Problems: Routine vs. Revolutionary
Problems, as it turns out, come in two flavors. The first are the routine ones—the "standard" issues we’ve encountered before. For these, we can rely on existing knowledge and solutions. Think of it as using a well-worn map to navigate familiar terrain. For instance, if a company wants to boost sales, a common solution might be to hire more staff. As long as the budget allows, this is a straightforward fix. We calculate the costs, allocate resources, and voilà—problem solved.
But then there’s the second, more intriguing category: innovative problems. These are the puzzles that defy conventional solutions. Imagine wanting to increase sales, but the budget is tight, and borrowing isn’t an option. The usual playbook is useless. Do we throw up our hands and admit defeat? Absolutely not. This is where creativity and innovation step in.
The Paradox of Innovation: Solving the Unsolvable
Innovative problems often present us with a paradox—a contradiction where two seemingly incompatible requirements must be met simultaneously. For example, we need to increase sales, but we can’t spend money on hiring. Traditional compromises won’t work here. Instead, we must think beyond the obvious, breaking free from the constraints of known solutions.
Historically, such contradictions have sparked some of the most groundbreaking ideas. Take the mobile phone industry in the 1990s, for instance. Back then, mobile phones were expensive, and sales were sluggish. They found a solution through the phone contracts with installment payments and bundled talk minutes. Suddenly, the high cost of the phone was masked by the appeal of manageable monthly payments and "free" minutes. This innovative business model resolved the contradiction: the price remained high, but the psychological barrier was lowered, leading to a surge in sales.
The Power of Eliminating Contradictions
The ability to eliminate contradictions is the hallmark of innovative thinking. It’s about transcending the problem altogether. This skill is what separates the truly innovative from the merely competent.
Contradictions are everywhere—they hinder technological advancements, stifle productivity, and block the path to new business models. Yet, they also present opportunities for radical breakthroughs. The key is to identify these contradictions and seek ideal solutions—those that maximize value while minimizing cost.
TRIZ: The Science of Inventive Problem Solving
Enter TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. Developed by Genrikh Altshuller in the USSR, TRIZ is a systematic approach to innovation that has since been adopted by global giants like Samsung, Intel, and NASA. Initially designed for technical inventions, TRIZ has evolved to tackle challenges in business, management, and beyond.
At its core, TRIZ provides a toolkit for identifying contradictions and generating strong, innovative solutions. It’s about leveraging patterns and principles from past innovations to solve new problems. For instance, Samsung has embedded TRIZ into its innovation strategy, training engineers and leaders to think inventively. That is how they fivefold increase in turnover and a leading position in global patent rankings.
Innovation is no longer a matter of luck or random inspiration. In today’s competitive landscape, it must be a deliberate, systematic process. We need to learn how to spot problems, analyze them, set clear goals, and devise plans to achieve them. And when contradictions arise—as they inevitably will—we must be equipped to eliminate them.
The ability to think innovatively and solve complex problems is a necessity. Whether you’re leading a global corporation or navigating the challenges of a startup, mastering the art of eliminating contradictions will set you apart. So, the next time you’re faced with an "unsolvable" problem, remember: the solution lies in your creativity, innovation, and the courage to think differently.
Key Resource used:
Books: "And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared" by Genrikh Altshuller, "Blue Ocean Strategy" by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries.
Websites: TRIZ Journal, Harvard Business Review, McKinsey & Company.
Case Studies: Samsung’s use of TRIZ
The Two Faces of Problems: Routine vs. Revolutionary
Problems, as it turns out, come in two flavors. The first are the routine ones—the "standard" issues we’ve encountered before. For these, we can rely on existing knowledge and solutions. Think of it as using a well-worn map to navigate familiar terrain. For instance, if a company wants to boost sales, a common solution might be to hire more staff. As long as the budget allows, this is a straightforward fix. We calculate the costs, allocate resources, and voilà—problem solved.
But then there’s the second, more intriguing category: innovative problems. These are the puzzles that defy conventional solutions. Imagine wanting to increase sales, but the budget is tight, and borrowing isn’t an option. The usual playbook is useless. Do we throw up our hands and admit defeat? Absolutely not. This is where creativity and innovation step in.
The Paradox of Innovation: Solving the Unsolvable
Innovative problems often present us with a paradox—a contradiction where two seemingly incompatible requirements must be met simultaneously. For example, we need to increase sales, but we can’t spend money on hiring. Traditional compromises won’t work here. Instead, we must think beyond the obvious, breaking free from the constraints of known solutions.
Historically, such contradictions have sparked some of the most groundbreaking ideas. Take the mobile phone industry in the 1990s, for instance. Back then, mobile phones were expensive, and sales were sluggish. They found a solution through the phone contracts with installment payments and bundled talk minutes. Suddenly, the high cost of the phone was masked by the appeal of manageable monthly payments and "free" minutes. This innovative business model resolved the contradiction: the price remained high, but the psychological barrier was lowered, leading to a surge in sales.
The Power of Eliminating Contradictions
The ability to eliminate contradictions is the hallmark of innovative thinking. It’s about transcending the problem altogether. This skill is what separates the truly innovative from the merely competent.
Contradictions are everywhere—they hinder technological advancements, stifle productivity, and block the path to new business models. Yet, they also present opportunities for radical breakthroughs. The key is to identify these contradictions and seek ideal solutions—those that maximize value while minimizing cost.
TRIZ: The Science of Inventive Problem Solving
Enter TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. Developed by Genrikh Altshuller in the USSR, TRIZ is a systematic approach to innovation that has since been adopted by global giants like Samsung, Intel, and NASA. Initially designed for technical inventions, TRIZ has evolved to tackle challenges in business, management, and beyond.
At its core, TRIZ provides a toolkit for identifying contradictions and generating strong, innovative solutions. It’s about leveraging patterns and principles from past innovations to solve new problems. For instance, Samsung has embedded TRIZ into its innovation strategy, training engineers and leaders to think inventively. That is how they fivefold increase in turnover and a leading position in global patent rankings.
Innovation is no longer a matter of luck or random inspiration. In today’s competitive landscape, it must be a deliberate, systematic process. We need to learn how to spot problems, analyze them, set clear goals, and devise plans to achieve them. And when contradictions arise—as they inevitably will—we must be equipped to eliminate them.
The ability to think innovatively and solve complex problems is a necessity. Whether you’re leading a global corporation or navigating the challenges of a startup, mastering the art of eliminating contradictions will set you apart. So, the next time you’re faced with an "unsolvable" problem, remember: the solution lies in your creativity, innovation, and the courage to think differently.
Key Resource used:
Books: "And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared" by Genrikh Altshuller, "Blue Ocean Strategy" by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries.
Websites: TRIZ Journal, Harvard Business Review, McKinsey & Company.
Case Studies: Samsung’s use of TRIZ