ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that a new approach to problem solving is needed and briefly outlined the basic features of theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ). The model is like a general map that shows, by words and pictures, how to use the most important TRIZ features in problem solving. One of the early insights of the TRIZ researchers was that solving a problem meant removing a contradiction. Sometimes, the clear formulation of the contradiction suggests a possible answer to the problem. The problem-solving model uses six concepts namely: contradiction, resources, the Ideal Final Result, functional analysis, the patterns of evolution, and innovative principles. Using resources, one can remove the contradiction and get the Ideal Final Result. "Ideality" is the measure of how close the system is to the Ideal Final Result. Often, however, something more is needed to move from the Ideal Final Result to the technical solution of the problem.
