ARIZ

ARIZ is the central analytical tool of TRIZ. It provides specific sequential steps for developing a solution for complex problems. The first version of ARIZ was developed in 1968 and many modifications during the next 20 years received. Over the years, it has become a precise tool for solving a wide variety of technical problems. The most used version, ARIZ- 85C, was published in 1985 and contains nine steps. ARIZ is a very power tool that uses all of the tools and key concepts of TRIZ. Each step includes many sub-steps. Below is a very brief description (outline) of the nine steps.

Analysis of the problem.
Begin by making the transition from vaguely defined statements of the problem to a simply stated (without jargon or terminology specific to any industry) mini-problem.

Example:

“A technical system consisting of elements A, B, and C has technical contradiction TC (state the contradiction). It is necessary to provide required function F (state the function) while incurring minimal changes to the system.” It is not important that such a result is achievable; however, it is important to state that the system should stay the same — or become even simpler. Step #1 also provides for an analysis of conflicting situations; i.e., technical contradictions. Here a decision has to be made as to which contradiction should be considered for further resolution. Once decided, a model of the problem is formulated.

Analysis of the problem’s model.

A simplified diagram modeling the conflict in the Operating Zone is drawn. (The Operating Zone is a specified narrow area of the conflict). Then an assessment of all available resources is made.

Formulation of the Ideal Final Result (IFR).

Usually, the statement of the IFR reveals contradictory requirements to the critical component of the system in the Operating Zone. This is the Physical Contradiction. As a result of these first three steps, a vague problem is transformed into a specific physical problem — the Physical Contradiction. In many cases the problem is solved by the end of Step #3. If so, you can proceed to steps 7, 8 and 9. There are several additional steps in ARIZ that provide more recommendations for resolving a contradiction.

Utilization of outside substances and field resources.

If the problem remains unclear, the “Small Miniature Man” model from Step #4 is imaginatively applied in order to better understand the problem.

Utilization of informational data bank.

Consider solving the problem by applying Standards in conjunction with a database of physical effects.

Change or reformulate the problem.

If the problem has still not been solved, ARIZ recommends returning to the starting point and reformulating the problem in respect to the supersystem. This looping process can be done several times.

Analysis of the method that removed the Physical Contradiction.

The main goal of this step is to check out the quality of a solution: Has the Physical Contradiction been removed most ideally?

Utilization of found solution.

This step guides you through an analysis of effects the new system may have on adjacent systems. It also forces the search for applications to other technical problems.

Analysis of steps that lead to the solution.

This is a check point where the real process used to solve a problem is compared with that suggested by ARIZ. Deviations are analyzed for possible future use. Mastering the powerful TRIZ tools requires many hours of study, along with working many practice problems. We hope that other books in this series will help you accomplish this task.