Analyzing Behavior through the Use of the TRIZ Contradiction Table in Reverse

Traditionally, the TRIZ contradiction table has been used to compare a desired “improving” feature” against a “gets worse” feature, optimizing the choice of which of the TRIZ 40 principles should be first used in attempting a solution to resolve the contradiction. Despite numerous advances in TRIZ problem solving tools and methodologies, the use of this process in reverse to determine the linkage between observed problem solving behavior and the underlying contradictions remains undeveloped. This type of analysis could be useful in analyzing competitive business strategies or in the analysis of criminal activities. This paper explores the use of the principles in reverse logic and offers a helpful methodology that can facilitate investigative and analytical research across many fields. The researcher or research group first determines the potential observed or hypothesized principle at work in an imminent organizational development, technical innovation, or behavior shift. In the next step, the research determines the underlying contradiction or contradictions which may be resolved by the principle at work. Through investigating the use of principles in reverse, competitor or criminal actions and innovations can be anticipated, analyzed, and pre-empted. Alternatively, the behavior or developments of neutral subjects may be further understood. In addition to expanding the use of TRIZ, the methodology illustrates that the classic 40 Inventive Principles and the Contradiction Matrix still continue to present innovative applications.

Jack Hipple is Principal with Innovation-TRIZ, a consultancy focused on breakthrough innovation and problem solving using TRIZ/Inventive Problem Solving and organizational innovation assessments. Jack is the TRIZ instructor for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and does frequent workshops for PDMA chapters, the Altshuller Institute, and the World Future Society. He is a chemical engineering graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and was Director of Discovery/Innovation Research and corporate chemical engineering director for Dow Chemical. He has also served as project/NPD/New Business Development manager for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Ansell Edmont, Cabot Corporation, Ideation International, and Idea Connections prior to starting his own innovation and TRIZ consultancy in 2001.

Dr. Stephen Young is a social scientist who currently works for Special Applications Group, LLC, in Tampa, Fl. His previous employers include BAE Systems and MTC Technologies, and he has conducted research both overseas and in the United States focused on cultural change, Diaspora communities, and Islam. Young graduated from Boston University with a doctorate in Cultural Anthropology and Islamic Studies.