For product design engineers. The 40 TRIZ Principles are the solutions to solve the “TRIZ contradictions” in product design problem-solving or to highlight other approaches during your product design brainstorming sessions.
The ideal final result in TRIZ resembles the clean sheet design meaning: a new concept is imagined without the limits of the current product. A cleansheet analysis of cost can then compare that concept with the existing one.
This article focuses on the 40 triz principles to be used with or without the TRIZ methodology.
Refer to TRIZ methods, tips, and tools at the end of this article.
The 40 TRIZ Principles
As these are translations from Russian -that may vary from book to book-, we have taken the most commonly used terminology, and we have regrouped the triz principles by family.
Note: we added complementary principles and technologies in the following chapter.
Highlighted in green is our selection of principles of high interest & frequent usage in Product Design
Different Assembly
This family regroups all means of assembling the components or parts differently. Clearly to be applied during the design choices.
| examples | our comments | |||
| #1 | Segmentation | Divide an object into independent parts |  | Good to solve a tech problem or source a component of the shelf, but may lead to complexity & additional costs |
| #2 | Taking out | Separate an interfering part or property from an object, or single out the only necessary part or property of an object |  | can be very effective, but product intent must be clear to eventually cut into the product specs |
| #4 | Asymmetry | Do not apply force or loads in a uniform or even way |  | Applied locally frequently permits to reduce of the power and lean the structure (min exception and fatigue) |
| #5 | Merging | Regroups smaller parts or components to achieve the main goal |  | Depends on context and volume: a dedicated part or component could be more cost and material effective |
| #7 | Nesting | Do you remember the “Matrioshka“, the Russian nested wood-carved dolls? |  | Modularity, a gain in storage, transport, product variants … |
| #27 | Intermediary | Add an intermediate part or function in the assembly |  | Not the leanest approach. Is that the only solution? |
Adapt To Users or Context
This category regroups all means of changing the product or the system relative to its environment. Mostly at the specification phase rather than later at the design board.
| examples | our comments | |||
#3 | Local quality | adapt the level of quality to the strict required, and only at the required place |  | “Overprocessing” in the 7 wastes of Lean mindset, but for the Design Phase |
| #6 | Universality | Give other usages to an existing part or product |  | Open new markets at very low effort and environmentally friendly. Not exactly to solve a design issue, but upstream. |
| #22 | Benefit From Harm | By lowering, adding, or increasing the harmful factor, make it a beneficial or secondary function |  | |
| #23 | Feedback | Adapt actuator to effectively required parameter; control loop |  | Self-leveling & without user intervention. |
| #25 | Self-service | Have the part or product perform other functions, regenerate itself, or produce usable wastes. |  | When possible, a nice way of value added |
| #26 | Copying | Replace complex and costly components with cheap light and simple copies, or work on an image rather than the costly object itself |  | (the essence of value Analyses in case you were not using that already) |
| #27 | Consumables | Replace something strong and costly with consumable parts or components |  | mind the wastes, environment, and new regulations. Other Lean approaches exist |
Forms Follow Functions
One of the motos of this site. Read the corresponding post on Forms Follow Functions (fff): regroups all mean that change the shape or space. Usually, the simplest, most reliable, and most cost-effective solutions.
| examples | our comments | |||
| #8 | Anti-weight | Use the weight to lower other actuators |  | typically the counterweight in an elevator |
| #14 | Spheroidality, Curvature | Make is round |  | |
| #17 | Another dimension | made 2D what is 1D, and 3D what is 2D |  | Permits opportunities (gaps, spaces) in the solving |
| #30 | Thin and Flexible | Make heavy structures thin, and eventually flexible if movement is needed |  | See the plastic tricks design library for molded hinges or thin walls |
Time Is The Essence
Family regrouping all TRIZ principles function related to time and new sequence.
Because not visible on the drawing board, solving a technical challenge with a new timed sequence can be overlooked
… but beware of not degrading the user experience with longer or additional steps
| examples | our comments | |||
| #9 | Preliminary anti-action | Anticipate the harm with a counteraction |  | ex: preload of concrete beams, before the load itself |
| #10 | Preliminary action | Perform in advance the requirement or change or prepare in advance |  | |
| #11 | Beforehand cushioning | “Prevent rather than cure” before too late |  | Quality, Lean (…) but for design here |
| #13 | The other way round | Invert the physical principle or the parts relative to each other |  | ex: on a Peltier module, cool one side instead of heating the other |
| #20 | Continuity of useful action | Do not stop the process or movement |  | limit operations and WIP & uses inertia |
| #21 | Rushing Through | Perform the action quick |  | Same logic as applying the force not evenly listed earlier, but on time, to limit the effort, energy, or risk |
| #34 | Discarding and recovering | Use, dispose or reuse at a later time |  | Environment and production friendly |
Physical Properties
TRIZ Principles which are related to either mechanical, physical, or chemical properties of the materials or the environment.
| examples | our comments | |||
| #12 | Equipotentiality | To conserve energy, limit position changes in a potential field |  | do not move metal in a magnetic field, or raise parts in a gravity field |
| #15 | Dynamics | Make parts or components move relative to each other |  | |
| #16 | Partial or excessive action | Reduce or increase slightly some specs to reach the conform zone |  | Pareto: 20% makes the 80%. Or is 95% enough? |
| #18 | Mechanical vibration | Use vibrations rather than big movements |  | permits very local effect, usually more energy efficient |
| #19 | Periodic action | Replace continuous linear actuators with rotary, pulsating, or repetitive means |  | link to the previous, depending on the magnitude |
| #28 | Mechanics substitution | Replace Mechanics with magnet or electromagnetism |  | Refer to our Design with Magnets post |
| #29 | Pneumatics and hydraulics | Replace Mechanics with Hydraulics system |  | some constraints, but worth every cent when adaptative, flexible, or long distances |
| #31 | Porous materials | Design with porous materials (or increase micro or macro porosity) |  | Lighter. 3D CAD & metal powder sintering helps these days |
| #32 | Color change | Change the color, or transparency to ease the process. Indicate information by a color change. |  | many special inks or materials are available, for pressure, temperature, density, humidity (…) indication |
| #33 | Homogeneity | Two interacting parts should have the same or similar materials |  | … and if fixed, be the same part! |
| #35 | Material Properties changes | use change of material properties: physical state change, strength, rigidity, texture, flexibility … |  | (color, length in other principles) |
| #36 | Phases transition | use phase transition consequences: heat absorption or generation, volume change, transparency change … |  | |
| #37 | Thermal expansion | Use material thermal expansion (or contraction) to apply a force |  | Fixed or temporary assemblies. Use bimetals also |
| #38 | Strong oxidants | O2 or O3 enriched atmosphere |  | Mind the flammability & corrosivity aspects |
| #39 | Inert atmosphere | O2 or O3 lowered atmospheres to freeze some chemical reactions |  | Opposite of previous; refer to the Triangle of Fire |
| #40 | Composite materials | Use composite materials |  | Lighter. Well-known these days, but mind aging and process repeatability |
The TRIZ Methodology in a Nutshell
The contradiction matrix and the TRIZ principles are the fundamental tools within this methodology, developed by the Soviet inventor and science fiction writer Genrich Altshuller.
1 – Preparing the Contradiction Table
The table consists on aligning all 39 engineering parameters versus the new product functions. By cross-referencing these parameters within the matrix, designers and engineers can identify potential solutions that might not be immediately obvious, fostering innovative thinking and efficient problem resolution.
The 39 engineering parameters
| Weight of moving object Weight of non-moving object Length of moving object Length of non-moving object Area of moving object Area of non-moving object Volume of moving object Volume of non-moving object Speed Force Tension, pressure Shape Stability of object | Strength Durability of moving object Durability of non-moving object Temperature Brightness Energy spent by moving object Energy spent by non-moving object Power Waste of energy Waste of substance Loss of information Waste of time Amount of substance | Reliability Accuracy of measurement Accuracy of manufacturing Harmful factors acting on object Harmful side effects Manufacturability Convenience of use Repairability Adaptability Complexity of device Complexity of control Level of automation Productivity |
The Product Functions
Refer to other articles on this site to define proper user product functions, not to be confused with constraints (ex: a mandatory legal standard is a constrain from a product design point of view … unless you are the standard distributor or reseller)
2 – Applying the 40 Principles
Addressing contradictions is the crucial step in problem-solving. The process begins with identifying the specific contradiction, which typically falls into one of two categories: technical or physical.
- A technical contradiction arises when improving one aspect of a system leads to the deterioration of another.
- A physical contradiction involves conflicting requirements for the same element.
Now filling the table with one or more of the 40 principles listed above in each cell is the key step.
As the table consists of likely several hundreds of cells, to be reviewed in details with an open mind to creative and new solution, the process can be very long. Some software do help for that, but you loose the global view of the table, adjacent columns or rows that can be grouped together in a common solution.
We have seen some detailed research on AI applied to TRIZ, without a publicly available tool so far (see public research paper here)
Tip: if time is a factor, we recommend focusing on key contradictions and user functions, rather filling superficially all the cells. A design-to-cost or minimal viable product approche can help in this priorisation -see other posts for these methods-.
This systematic approach enables the transformation of the contradiction into a creative opportunity, facilitating innovative breakthroughs.
Triz Methodology examples
A classic example of TRIZ in action is its application in the automotive industry to address the challenge of reducing vehicle weight without compromising safety. By employing TRIZ principles, engineers identified the use of high-strength, lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, which allowed for substantial weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity.
Another example can be found in electronics, where TRIZ has been used to enhance battery life in smartphones. By analyzing and overcoming contradictions, such as increasing battery capacity without enlarging the phone size, engineers innovated with energy-efficient processors and software optimizations. These examples demonstrate how TRIZ enables systematic innovation by transforming problems into opportunities for inventive solutions.
Our 9 New Complementary Innovation.world Principles
We felt these complementary principles or technologies were missing in the original 40 TRIZ principles list:
- standardize: both within your production tools and your range of products, but also use OEM and of-the-shelf components (this can hardly be the outcome principle of any patent research, the root of the TRIZ methodology)
- solidified gas or liquid: example: pick-and-place using frozen humidity from the air to pick small components. Some commonalities with #35-Material Properties changes
- impact: to get sudden energy peaks only when needed, rather than increasing the average power (ex: mechanical teeth or roller extractor). Some commonalities with #21-Rushing Through
- nonnewtonian fluids: liquid when still, gets hard when getting energy, stroke, or movement. Used already in the forage industry. With some similarity to the end effect, it can also be a metal powder that solidifies when exposed to a magnetic field as in ferrofluids.
- capillarity: to raise the liquid higher or suck or make visible or mix liquids
- osmosis and inverted osmosis: through a porous membrane to separate ultra-fine elements
- additive materials: various 3D printing technologies, from resins and melted plastics to sintered metal powders
- magnets: not only the electromagnetism mentioned in the list; see the design with magnets dedicated article
- springs, either linear or concentric. To dump movements or energy peaks, but also to store energy and give it back at a later time (one of the TRIZ contradiction solutions: “separate in time”)
Resources of interest for TRIZ Principles
There are plenty of videos on the TRIZ principles, but in this one, Karen Gadd explains the concepts, the real aim, and the context, rather than listing the 40 principles. Check
A presentation with original illustrations for each of the 40 principles:
TRIZ Principles – Theory of Inventive Problem Solving de LogeshrajV
Full-Size TRIZ Principles Cheat Sheet
Complementary Readings & Methods
- Design Thinking: a human-centered approach to innovation that focuses on understanding the user’s needs, redefining problems, and creating innovative solutions through prototyping and testing.
- Systems Thinking: an approach to problem solving that considers the broader context and the interconnections between different components within a system.
- Root Cause Analysis: a method used to identify the underlying reasons for a problem, enabling more effective solutions that address the core issues rather than symptoms.
- Morphological Analysis: a method used for exploring all possible solutions to a multi-dimensional, non-quantified problem complex by examining the relationships between different variables.
- Blue Ocean Strategy: a strategic approach that encourages businesses to create new market spaces (blue oceans) rather than competing in saturated markets (red oceans).
- Brainstorming and Mind Mapping: creative techniques for generating a wide range of ideas and organizing them visually to identify connections and develop innovative solutions.
- Design for Six Sigma (DFSS): an approach that combines design principles with Six Sigma methodologies to create products and processes that meet customer needs and achieve high quality.
- Value Engineering: a systematic method to improve the “value” of goods or products by examining and optimizing function, cost, and performance.
FAQ
What does TRIZ stand for?
TRIZ is the Russian acronym for “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadach”, usually translated as Theory of Inventive Problem Solving.
Who created the 40 TRIZ principles and how?
Genrich Altshuller, a Soviet engineer and inventor, began the work in the 1940s while he was a patent examiner in the Soviet Navy. He and his team analyzed hundreds of thousands of patents and found that inventions in very different fields solved problems with the same recurring patterns.
How many TRIZ principles are there and are the names fixed?
There are 40 in the classic list. Because the list was translated from Russian, wording differs from book to book, so the same principle can carry slightly different names. This article uses the most common names and adds 9 complementary principles.
What is a technical contradiction in TRIZ?
A situation where improving one parameter makes another worse, such as making a part stronger and also heavier. TRIZ looks for a way to remove the trade-off instead of settling for a compromise.
What is a physical contradiction in TRIZ?
A requirement where the same element must have opposite properties, such as hot and cold, or open and closed. Principles that separate the two properties in time, space or conditions are the usual way out.
What are the 39 engineering parameters?
A standard list of technical features, such as weight of moving object, speed, force, strength, temperature, reliability, manufacturability and productivity. They form the rows and columns of the contradiction matrix, and the full list is given in this article.
How do I use the contradiction matrix?
Pick the parameter you want to improve (a row) and the parameter that gets worse (a column). The cell where they meet lists the numbers of the principles most often used to solve that contradiction. Test each as a design idea. For example, improving strength without adding weight points to principles 40, 26, 27 and 1.
Do I need the matrix to use the 40 principles?
No. You can run through the principles as a checklist during brainstorming, specification or design review, without building a matrix. The matrix only helps you decide which principles to try first.
What do TRIZ principles look like in everyday products?
Principle 7, nesting, is the Russian doll idea, found in stackable chairs and telescopic antennas. Principle 15, dynamics, makes parts movable relative to each other, as in an adjustable chair. Principle 13, the other way round, inverts the usual action, for example rotating the part instead of the tool.
What are the 9 complementary principles added in this article?
Standardize, solidified gas or liquid, impact, non-Newtonian fluids, capillarity, osmosis and inverse osmosis, additive materials, magnets and springs. They cover technologies missing from the original list, and some overlap partly with existing principles, such as impact with rushing through.
How does TRIZ relate to patents?
The principles were extracted from patents, so patents show how each principle was applied in practice. Searching patents in other industries for the same contradiction is a way to find ready-made solution ideas.
How is TRIZ different from brainstorming?
Brainstorming generates ideas by free association. TRIZ defines the contradiction first and then points to solution patterns that worked elsewhere. The two combine well: use the principles as prompts in a brainstorming session.
Can TRIZ be used outside mechanical engineering?
Yes. The principles are abstract enough to apply to software, processes, services and business problems. The classic parameters describe technical systems, though, so a non-technical problem has to be translated into them first.
Glossary of Terms Used
Computer Aided Design (CAD): a software application used for creating, modifying, analyzing, and optimizing designs in various fields such as engineering, architecture, and manufacturing, enabling precise drawings and models through digital tools and techniques.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): a software application used for creating, modifying, analyzing, and optimizing designs in various fields such as engineering, architecture, and manufacturing, enabling precise drawings and models through digital tools and techniques.
Design for Six Sigma (DfSS): a systematic methodology aimed at designing products or processes to meet customer requirements and achieve high quality by minimizing defects and variability, utilizing tools and techniques from Six Sigma principles during the design phase.
Forms Follow Functions (FFF): a design principle stating that the shape or appearance of an object should be primarily based on its intended function or purpose, emphasizing practicality and usability over aesthetic considerations.
Ideal Final Result (IFR): a desired outcome that represents the optimal state of a system or process, achieved by eliminating all negative effects and maximizing positive attributes, often used in engineering and TRIZ or similar problem-solving methodologies to guide design and improvement efforts.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): a company that produces parts or equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. Typically, these components are integrated into the final product, which is then sold under the latter's brand name.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA): a systematic process for identifying the fundamental factors that lead to a problem or failure, aiming to address and eliminate the underlying issues rather than merely treating symptoms.
User experience (UX): the overall satisfaction and perception of a user when interacting with a product, system, or service, encompassing usability, accessibility, design, and emotional response throughout the entire interaction process.
Value Engineering (VE): a systematic method to improve the value of a project by analyzing its functions, reducing costs, and enhancing performance without sacrificing quality or reliability. It involves interdisciplinary teamwork to identify and implement cost-effective alternatives.
Work in Progress (WIP): items that are partially completed in a production process, including raw materials, labor, and overhead costs incurred up to a certain point. These assets are not yet finished goods and are essential for tracking production efficiency and inventory management.
